Hadrianapolis (Paphlagonia) – Eskipazar, Karabük
The ancient city of Hadrianapolis, located near modern Eskipazar in the Black Sea region, is rapidly emerging as one of Turkey's most important archaeological sites. Often dubbed the "Zeugma of the Black Sea," the city is especially renowned for its stunning and well-preserved floor mosaics, which provide an invaluable window into the artistic and religious life of Roman and early Byzantine Anatolia.
History: A City of Pilgrims and Saints
Though inhabited since at least the 1st century BCE, the city rose to prominence in the 2nd century CE when it was named in honor of the Roman Emperor Hadrian. During the Roman and Byzantine periods, Hadrianapolis became a wealthy administrative center and a major Christian pilgrimage site. It was the birthplace of Saint Alypios the Stylite and Saint Stylianos of Paphlagonia, and ancient texts mention both male and female monasteries in the city, confirming its religious importance. The city appears to have been abandoned suddenly in the 7th century CE, leaving its treasures remarkably preserved beneath the soil.
Archaeological Treasures Unearthed
Excavations, which began in earnest in 2003, have revealed a sprawling city with a rich array of structures.
- Churches and Breathtaking Mosaics: At least two major basilicas have been uncovered, dating as early as the mid-5th century CE. Their floors are covered with extraordinary mosaics. These vibrant artworks depict a host of animals—including horses, elephants, panthers, and griffons—as well as symbolic representations of the four biblical rivers of Paradise: the Pishon, Gihon, Tigris, and Euphrates. The quality and preservation of these mosaics have earned the site its comparison to the world-famous Zeugma.
- The Roman Bath: A large bath complex, complete with a mosaic-paved frigidarium (cold room), demonstrates the city's Roman infrastructure and high standard of living.
- Villas and Public Buildings: Archaeologists have unearthed numerous other buildings, including villas, a theatre, a defensive structure, and rock-cut tombs, all of which contribute to a fuller picture of this once-thriving urban center.
- Roman Fort: The discovery of a Roman fort, including a cavalry mask, points to the city's strategic military importance on the frontier of the empire.
Hadrianapolis is a key site for understanding the spread of Christianity in northern Anatolia and the artistic achievements of the late Roman and early Byzantine worlds. Each new discovery continues to add another layer to the story of this fascinating "lost" city.
Sources:
- Wikipedia – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hadrianopolis_(Paphlagonia)
- Hurriyet Daily News – https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/ancient-city-of-hadrianopolis-to-open-to-visitors-166298
- Greek Reporter – https://greekreporter.com/2021/07/15/mosaics-black-sea-zeugma-hadrianopolis/
- The Archaeologist – https://www.thearchaeologist.org/blog/tag/Hadrianopolis