Prusias ad Hypium – Konuralp

Prusias ad Hypium – Konuralp (Düzce)

Known as the "Ephesus of the Western Black Sea," the ancient city of Prusias ad Hypium offers a remarkable glimpse into the region's rich Hellenistic and Roman past. Located in Konuralp, near modern Düzce, the city's highlight is its magnificent and well-preserved Roman theatre, which stands as a testament to the area's historical prosperity and cultural vibrancy.

History: A Bithynian City Transformed by Rome

Originally known as Hypios or Kieros, the city was conquered by King Prusias I of Bithynia in the 2nd century BCE and renamed in his honor. When the last king of Bithynia bequeathed his kingdom to Rome in 74 BCE, Prusias ad Hypium began its most prosperous period. Under Roman rule, the city flourished as a key administrative and commercial center, benefiting from its strategic location controlling trade routes between the coast and the Anatolian interior. It continued as an important city into the Byzantine era before its eventual absorption into the Ottoman Empire in the 14th century.

Archaeological Treasures of Prusias

Continuous excavations at Prusias ad Hypium have revealed a wealth of architectural and artistic treasures, many of which are now housed in the nearby Konuralp Museum.

  • The Roman Theatre: The city's most impressive surviving monument, the theatre, is locally known as the "40 Steps." Originally a Hellenistic structure, it was significantly expanded under the Romans to seat up to 10,000 spectators. The stage building is particularly ornate, decorated with reliefs of Apollo and statues of the city's benefactors. Recent excavations have uncovered vaulted rooms beneath the stage, likely used by actors.
  • Roman Bridge and Aqueducts: A testament to Roman engineering, a large bridge constructed of white marble blocks without mortar still stands. Further demonstrating their hydraulic skill, several arches of the city's aqueduct system, which brought water from the mountains, are also visible.
  • City Walls and Gates: Segments of the Byzantine-era city walls can still be traced. The main entrance was the "Horse Gate," named for a limestone lintel featuring a carving of a horse.
  • Artistic Discoveries: The site has yielded numerous artistic masterpieces, including a stunning statue head of Alexander the Great, a head of the Gorgon Medusa, and a nearly complete statue of Apollo Kitharaidos (Apollo with his lyre), all pointing to the high level of artistry and culture in the Roman city.

With its magnificent theatre, impressive engineering works, and a continuous stream of new archaeological discoveries, Prusias ad Hypium is a vital site for understanding the history and culture of the Roman Empire in the Black Sea region.

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Location Information

Latitude:40.905500
Longitude:31.148000
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