Settlements > Nicomedia

Nicomedia

Nicomedia, known today as İzmit, is a city with a rich historical legacy located in northwestern Turkey. It was an important city in ancient Bithynia, a region of Asia Minor. Founded in the 4th century BCE, Nicomedia rose to prominence during the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods, playing a crucial role in the political, economic, and cultural life of the region. Here’s an overview of Nicomedia, its historical significance, geography, key features, and legacy:

Geography

Location:

• Nicomedia was situated on the northeastern shore of the Sea of Marmara, in what is now the Kocaeli Province of Turkey.
• The city’s strategic location provided easy access to both land and sea routes, facilitating trade and communication between Asia Minor, Europe, and the Near East.

Topography:

• The area around Nicomedia includes coastal plains, rolling hills, and nearby mountain ranges. The fertile land and natural harbors contributed to the city’s prosperity.

Historical Significance

Foundation and Early History:

• Nicomedia was founded around 264 BCE by Nicomedes I of Bithynia, who named the city after himself. It served as the capital of the Kingdom of Bithynia.
• The city quickly grew in importance due to its strategic location and the patronage of the Bithynian kings.

Hellenistic and Roman Periods:

• During the Hellenistic period, Nicomedia thrived as a major urban center and a key political and economic hub in Bithynia.
• In 74 BCE, Nicomedia, along with the rest of Bithynia, was bequeathed to the Roman Republic by Nicomedes IV. Under Roman rule, the city continued to flourish and became an essential administrative center.
• Nicomedia was made the eastern capital of the Roman Empire by Diocletian in 286 CE, further enhancing its status. It served as a residence for several Roman emperors and was a center for military and administrative activities.

Byzantine Period:

• Nicomedia remained significant during the Byzantine period, serving as an important provincial capital and military base.
• The city played a vital role in the defense of the Byzantine Empire against various invasions, including those by the Goths, Persians, and later the Arab and Turkish forces.

Key Archaeological Features

City Walls and Fortifications:

• Nicomedia was fortified with substantial walls and defensive structures to protect against invasions and raids. The city’s fortifications included gates, towers, and battlements.
• Remnants of these fortifications can still be seen today, providing insights into the city’s strategic importance and military architecture.

Public Buildings and Infrastructure:

• The city boasted impressive public buildings, including forums, basilicas, baths, and theaters. These structures highlight the architectural and engineering achievements of Nicomedia during the Roman and Byzantine periods.
• Notable public spaces included the Forum of Diocletian and various administrative and religious buildings.

Imperial Residences:

• As the eastern capital of the Roman Empire under Diocletian, Nicomedia housed several imperial residences and palaces. These luxurious buildings served as the administrative and ceremonial centers of the empire.
• Excavations have uncovered parts of these imperial complexes, providing a glimpse into the opulence and grandeur of the Roman imperial court.

Religious Sites:

• Nicomedia was home to numerous temples, churches, and other religious sites. During the Roman period, temples dedicated to various gods and goddesses were prominent.
• In the Byzantine era, Nicomedia became an important center of Christianity, with several significant churches and monasteries. The city was also a site of early Christian martyrdom and persecution.

Cultural and Historical Impact

Political and Administrative Role:

• Nicomedia’s role as the eastern capital of the Roman Empire under Diocletian made it a critical center for political and administrative activities. The city served as a base for imperial governance and military operations in the eastern provinces.
• The administrative reforms initiated by Diocletian, including the division of the empire into dioceses and prefectures, were managed from Nicomedia.

Economic Activities:

• The strategic location of Nicomedia on major trade routes facilitated its development as a significant commercial hub. The city’s economy was bolstered by trade, manufacturing, and agriculture.
• Nicomedia’s ports and markets were vital for the exchange of goods between Asia Minor, Europe, and the Near East.

Cultural and Religious Significance:

• Nicomedia was a melting pot of cultures, reflecting the diverse influences of the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods. The city’s cultural life was enriched by its theaters, libraries, and public forums.
• As an early center of Christianity, Nicomedia played a crucial role in the spread of the Christian faith. The city was the site of significant events in early Christian history, including martyrdoms and ecclesiastical councils.

Legacy and Modern Relevance

Archaeological Significance:

• The archaeological remains of Nicomedia provide valuable insights into the city’s historical and cultural development. Excavations have uncovered significant artifacts and structures, enhancing our understanding of ancient urban life in the region.
• Notable discoveries include inscriptions, coins, pottery, and architectural fragments that offer a detailed picture of Nicomedia’s past.

Tourism and Cultural Heritage:

• Today, the modern city of İzmit preserves the legacy of ancient Nicomedia. The city’s rich historical and cultural heritage attracts tourists and scholars interested in exploring its ancient ruins and historical sites.
• Efforts to preserve and promote Nicomedia’s cultural heritage help to maintain its historical significance and ensure that its legacy is appreciated by future generations.

Educational Resource:

• Nicomedia serves as an important educational resource for scholars, students, and enthusiasts of ancient history and archaeology. The city’s extensive ruins and artifacts provide a tangible connection to the ancient world.
• Museums in İzmit and beyond often feature artifacts from Nicomedia, helping to disseminate knowledge about the city’s historical importance.

Conclusion

In summary, Nicomedia was an important ancient city in northwestern Turkey, known for its significant role in the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods. Founded in the 4th century BCE, the city rose to prominence as the capital of the Kingdom of Bithynia and later as the eastern capital of the Roman Empire under Diocletian. The archaeological remains of Nicomedia, including its city walls, public buildings, imperial residences, and religious sites, provide valuable insights into its history and legacy. Today, Nicomedia’s rich cultural heritage continues to be celebrated, attracting tourists and scholars interested in exploring its historical significance.

Sources

Peter Levi (ed.). Guide to Greece By Pausanias. p. 232. ISBN 0-14-044225-1.

Cohen, Getzel M. The Hellenistic settlements in Europe, the islands, and Asia Minor. p. 400. ISBN 0-520-08329-6.

"Belt Section with Medallions of Constantius II and Faustina". The Walters Art Museum.

See C. Texier, Asie mineure (Paris, 1839); V. Cuenet, Turquie d'Asie (Paris, 1894).

See Ammianus Marcellinus 17.7.1–8

Kazhdan, Alexander, ed. (1991), Oxford Dictionary of Byzantium, Oxford University Press, pp. 1483–1484, ISBN 978-0-19-504652-6.

Kiminas, Demetrius (2009). The Ecumenical Patriarchate. Wildside Press LLC. p. 79. ISBN 9781434458766.

Terezakis, Yorgos. "Diocese of Nicomedia (Ottoman Period)". Εγκυκλοπαίδεια Μείζονος Ελληνισμού, Μ. Ασία.

David Turner, The Politics of Despair: The Plague of 746-747 and Iconoclasm in the Byzantine Empire, The Annual of the British School at Athens, Vol. 85 (1990), p428

Geoffrey de Villehardouin, translated by M. R. B. Shaw, Joinville and Villehardouin: Chronicles of the Crusades (London: Penguin, 1963), pp. 147, 154–56.