Hadrianapolis

Hidden beneath rolling farmland just 3 kilometres west of Eskipazar in Karabuk province, Hadrianapolis (ancient Hadrianopolis in Paphlagonia) is rapidly emerging as one of Turkey's most exciting archaeological sites. Named after Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century AD, the city is celebrated for its extraordinary early Byzantine floor mosaics -- depicting the four rivers of Paradise, exotic animals, and human personifications -- that have earned it the nickname "Zeugma of the Black Sea." The site also preserves Roman baths, a fort with a rare iron cavalry face mask, rock-cut tombs, and at least three 6th-century basilicas. Recent discoveries include Roman military game pieces, a rare fibula, coins featuring a "River God", and a 5,500-year-old underground rock settlement, making it a window into millennia of Anatolian history.

1. Why Hadrianapolis Matters
2. Geography and Setting
3. Historical Timeline
4. Major Monuments and Discoveries
5. Archaeological Work
6. Visitor Information
7. Frequently Asked Questions
8. Sources and Further Reading

Why Hadrianapolis Matters

1. Unparalleled early Byzantine mosaics in the Black Sea region. The floor mosaics discovered in at least two basilicas rank among the finest in Anatolia. Their depictions of the four rivers of Paradise (Pishon, Gihon, Euphrates, Tigris) in personified form represent a composition type not found elsewhere in the country and extremely rare in the broader Christian world.

2. Birthplace of important early Christian saints. Hadrianapolis is recorded as the birthplace of Saint Alypios the Stylite (d. c. 614), a celebrated ascetic and monastic founder who spent decades standing on a pillar, and Saint Stylianos of Paphlagonia, a protector of children venerated in Orthodox tradition. Ancient hagiographic sources mention both male and female monasteries associated with Saint Alypios in the city.

3. A rare Roman military installation on the Paphlagonian frontier. The discovery of a Roman fort and a rare iron cavalry face mask (used in hippika gymnasia parade exercises) indicates strategic military significance. Only a handful of such masks have been found across the entire Roman Empire, making this one of the most important individual military artefacts discovered in Turkey.

4. Sudden abandonment preserved the urban fabric. The city appears to have been abandoned relatively suddenly in the 7th century AD, likely during Arab raids or the broader instabilities of that era. This abrupt departure left buildings, mosaics, and artefacts remarkably well-preserved beneath the soil.

5. Deep prehistoric roots. Excavations in 2023 revealed a 5,500-year-old underground rock settlement with illuminated galleries, pushing the site's history back to the Chalcolithic period and demonstrating continuous human activity in this area for millennia.

6. Active excavation with published international scholarship. Research results have been published in the BAR (British Archaeological Reports) International Series as Hadrianopolis IV: Early Byzantine Mosaics and Frescoes from Northwestern Central Turkey, providing a definitive scholarly reference.

7. Roman military leisure culture. In 2024, archaeologists discovered bone game pieces used in the Roman strategy games Ludus Latrunculorum and Ludus duodecim scriptorum (dated to the 5th century CE), reinforcing evidence of a long-standing military garrison and offering rare insight into soldiers' daily lives.

Geography and Setting

Hadrianapolis occupies a position of considerable strategic value in southwestern Paphlagonia, at the junction of three ancient regions: Paphlagonia, Bithynia, and Galatia. The site lies approximately 3 km west of modern Eskipazar, in Karabuk province, along the principal western route from the Central Anatolian plateau through the mountains to the Black Sea port of Bartin.

The terrain is characterised by:

• A rich agricultural and vinicultural enclave. Despite its mountain-fringe location, the area around Eskipazar forms a fertile basin that supported intensive farming. Ancient sources and archaeological evidence confirm viticulture and grain production, providing the economic base for urban development.
• A natural corridor between coast and plateau. The mountain passes around Eskipazar controlled movement between the Black Sea littoral and the Anatolian interior, making the area important for both trade and military logistics throughout antiquity.
• A gently sloping landscape. Unlike many ancient cities built on dramatic acropoleis, Hadrianapolis spreads across relatively flat agricultural land, which is why its remains lay hidden for centuries, undisturbed by later settlement. This flat topography also contributed to the exceptional preservation of the mosaics.

The climate is continental with Black Sea influences: cold winters with snowfall and warm, dry summers. The best visiting periods are late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October), when temperatures are moderate and the landscape is attractive. The surrounding hills are covered with deciduous forest that turns spectacular colours in autumn.

The ancient city's water supply came from local springs, supplemented by seasonal streams flowing from the surrounding mountains. The flat terrain facilitated construction of large basilicas with extensive mosaic floors -- the very features that make the site famous today.

Historical Timeline

Prehistoric Settlement (before 2nd century AD)

The area has much deeper roots than previously thought. In 2023, archaeologists discovered a 5,500-year-old underground rock settlement with illuminated galleries dating to the Chalcolithic period, along with traces from later Bronze Age and Iron Age habitation. This demonstrates that the strategic location attracted human settlement thousands of years before the Roman city was established.

Archaeological evidence and ancient texts suggest continuous occupation of the area from at least the 1st century BC. The pre-Roman settlement was likely a small market town serving the agricultural hinterland and the transit route between coast and plateau.

Roman Imperial Period (2nd-4th century AD)

The city was named Hadrianopolis in honour of Emperor Hadrian (r. AD 117-138), who promoted urban development and infrastructure across the eastern provinces during his extensive travels through the empire. Under Roman rule, the city became:

• An administrative centre within the province of Paphlagonia.
• A military station, as evidenced by the Roman fort, cavalry equipment, and military game pieces spanning from the 2nd to the 5th centuries.
• A prosperous urban settlement with baths, villas, and public buildings.

The discovery of the iron cavalry face mask -- a type used in Roman military parades and training exercises (hippika gymnasia) -- confirms the presence of a cavalry unit. The 2nd-century coin featuring the "River God" with the inscription "Kezios" provides evidence for the ancient name of the local river and the city's connection to regional geography.

Early Byzantine Period (4th-7th century AD)

Hadrianapolis reached its zenith during the early Byzantine period, when it became a significant Christian pilgrimage centre. Key developments include:

• Construction of at least three basilicas with elaborate mosaic floors, dating to the mid-5th to 6th century AD.
• Establishment of monasteries associated with Saint Alypios the Stylite, including both a male and a female monastery -- a detail preserved in hagiographic texts that indicates a substantial and well-organised Christian community.
• Status as a bishopric within the metropolitan system of Paphlagonia, with the bishop of Hadrianopolis attending regional church councils.
• Economic prosperity reflected in the quality of the mosaics, which required skilled artisans brought from major mosaic workshops and significant financial investment by wealthy patrons.

The mosaics of Church A, featuring personifications of the four rivers of Paradise, represent a sophisticated theological programme that demonstrates the intellectual and artistic ambitions of the local Christian community.

Abandonment (7th century AD)

The city appears to have been abandoned relatively suddenly, perhaps during the upheavals of the 7th century -- a period of Arab raids, plague, and general insecurity across Anatolia. The rapid departure left the mosaics and buildings intact beneath accumulating soil, preserving them for modern archaeologists in a state rarely encountered at long-occupied sites.

Ottoman and Modern Period

The area was resettled under the Ottoman Empire as the town of Eskipazar ("Old Market"), a name that may itself preserve a memory of the ancient commercial function. The ancient city's remains lay unrecognised until systematic surveys began in the 2000s, when geophysical prospection revealed the extent of the buried city.

Major Monuments and Discoveries

The Basilicas and Their Mosaics

At least three early Byzantine basilicas have been identified at Hadrianapolis, all dating to the 6th century AD. The mosaic floors of these churches are the site's signature attraction:

• Church A (the "River Church"): The largest and most elaborately decorated basilica, measuring over 2,000 square metres. Its floor mosaics include personifications of the four rivers of Paradise -- Pishon, Gihon, Euphrates, and Tigris -- depicted as human figures pouring water from vessels. This iconographic programme is unique in Anatolia and extremely rare in the broader Christian world. The mosaics also include female and male figures, animal scenes, and fruit motifs. After years of painstaking conservation, these mosaics have been restored and opened to visitors under protective shelters.

• Church B: Contains mosaic panels depicting a rich array of animals -- horses, bulls, elephants, panthers, deer, griffons, and peacocks -- arranged in geometric frames. The quality and variety of the animal depictions are comparable to the famous mosaics at Zeugma in Gaziantep, which gave rise to the site's nickname "Zeugma of the Black Sea." New mosaics continue to be discovered in this church during ongoing excavations.

• Church C: A smaller basilica with partially preserved mosaics and fresco fragments on the walls. The frescoes add a dimension not often found at other mosaic sites, allowing scholars to study the relationship between floor and wall decoration programmes and reconstruct the complete visual experience of a 6th-century Byzantine church interior.

The mosaics were painstakingly documented and published in Hadrianopolis IV (BAR International Series), providing a definitive scholarly reference that has brought the site to international academic attention.

The Roman Bath

A large Roman bath complex has been excavated, featuring:

• A mosaic-paved frigidarium (cold room) with geometric and figural designs.
• Structural evidence of the standard Roman bathing sequence: apodyterium (changing room), tepidarium (warm room), caldarium (hot room).
• Hypocaust (underfloor heating) remains demonstrating sophisticated heating technology.
• The bath demonstrates that Hadrianopolis had a fully developed Roman urban infrastructure even in this relatively remote mountain-fringe location.

The Roman Fort and Cavalry Mask

Excavations uncovered the foundations of a Roman fort on the site, along with one of the most remarkable individual finds: a rare iron cavalry face mask of the type used in Roman military parade exercises (hippika gymnasia). Such masks are extremely rare -- only a handful have been found across the entire Roman Empire, making this discovery of international significance.

The mask, depicting an idealized human face, was part of ceremonial armour used during choreographed cavalry displays rather than battlefield equipment. Its presence confirms that a Roman cavalry unit was stationed in or regularly passed through Hadrianopolis, underscoring the city's military-strategic importance on the route to the Black Sea.

Roman Military Game Pieces

Among the most notable finds of 2024 are bone game pieces used in the Roman strategy games Ludus Latrunculorum (a chess-like tactical game) and Ludus duodecim scriptorum (similar to modern backgammon), dated to the 5th century CE. The discovery of these gaming pieces in a military context reinforces the hypothesis that Hadrianopolis housed a military detachment for centuries, as previous research had already identified 2nd-century military barracks. The game pieces provide a rare, humanizing glimpse into the daily leisure activities of Roman soldiers.

Fibula and Charon Coin

Recent excavations in the southern necropolis yielded a fibula (brooch) of the arbalest type dating to the 5th century and a 2nd-century coin featuring an engraving of the "River God" alongside the inscription "Kezios." This inscription identifies the coin as originating from Hadrianopolis and reveals the ancient name of the Eskipazar River.

The coin's placement in a tomb follows the ancient practice of providing a Charon coin -- payment to the mythological ferryman who carried souls across the river Styx to the underworld -- demonstrating the persistence of traditional Roman burial customs alongside the growing Christian community.

Underground Rock Settlement

In 2023, excavations revealed a 5,500-year-old underground rock settlement with illuminated galleries dating to the Chalcolithic period. This remarkable discovery pushed the site's history back thousands of years and demonstrated that the strategic location had attracted human settlement since prehistoric times. The galleries show sophisticated engineering, with shafts designed to channel natural light underground.

Villas and Residential Buildings

Several Roman-era residential structures have been identified, some with mosaic or fresco remnants. These villas indicate a prosperous local elite that invested in decorated domestic architecture, mirroring the investment in public and religious buildings.

Rock-Cut Tombs

The city's necropolis includes rock-cut tombs carved into the surrounding terrain. These tombs, typical of Paphlagonian burial traditions, range from simple chambers to more elaborate multi-room structures. Some preserve carved architectural facades with Hellenistic and Roman decorative elements. The southern necropolis has been particularly productive, yielding the fibula, coins, and evidence of both pagan and Christian burial practices.

The Theatre

Archaeological surveys have identified the remains of a theatre, though it has not yet been fully excavated. Its existence confirms that Hadrianopolis had the full complement of public entertainment and civic architecture expected of a Roman-era city, including a venue for dramatic performances, musical competitions, and civic assemblies.

Two Mysterious Circular Structures

Recent investigations have identified two enigmatic circular structures whose function is still being studied. These structures may represent towers, specialized religious buildings, or other architectural types. Their investigation is ongoing, adding to the site's aura of archaeological mystery.

Saint Alypios and Monastic Life

The connection between Hadrianapolis and Saint Alypios the Stylite (c. 540--614 AD) provides a rare window into the religious and social life of the city during the late Byzantine period. Hagiographic sources -- texts recording the lives of saints -- contain detailed information about Alypios and the community he built.

Life on the Pillar

Alypios was born in Hadrianapolis and, after ecclesiastical education and service in other cities, returned to his hometown to undertake the extreme ascetic practice of stylitism -- living on top of a pillar. He reportedly spent 53 years atop his column, first standing, then (after his legs became paralyzed) lying down. His pillar became a centre of pilgrimage and spiritual counsel, with visitors travelling from across the region to seek his wisdom and blessing.

Monastic Foundations

What makes Alypios particularly significant for the history of Hadrianapolis is that he founded two monasteries in the city:

• A male monastery (andreia mone) gathered around the base of his pillar, where monks lived a communal life of prayer and work under rules established by Alypios.
• A female monastery (gynaike mone) nearby, where women could pursue the religious life. The existence of a double monastery indicates a community of sufficient size and wealth to support two separate religious institutions.

These monasteries would have been centres of literacy, manuscript copying, education, and charitable work -- functions that monastic institutions performed throughout the Byzantine world. Their presence suggests that late-antique Hadrianapolis was not merely a provincial backwater but a genuine religious centre with cultural influence.

The Cult of Saint Stylianos

Hadrianapolis is also associated with Saint Stylianos of Paphlagonia, venerated in the Orthodox Christian tradition as a protector of children. His cult spread across the Byzantine world and remains active today in Greek Orthodox practice, where images of Saint Stylianos often depict him holding an infant. The association of two saints with a single city underscores the importance of Hadrianapolis as a centre of Christian devotion.

Legacy

The hagiographic texts about these saints are not merely religious documents -- they contain incidental historical information about the city's population, buildings, social structure, and economy that would otherwise be lost. They describe roads, markets, public spaces, and the everyday interactions of citizens, providing a narrative complement to the archaeological evidence.

Mosaic Iconography and Theological Programme

The mosaics of Hadrianapolis are not merely decorative -- they embody a sophisticated theological programme that reveals the intellectual ambitions and doctrinal commitments of the early Byzantine Christian community.

The Four Rivers Composition

The personifications of the four rivers of Paradise in Church A represent a specific theological statement: the church interior is symbolically presented as a reflection of Paradise itself. The worshipper entering the church walks upon the rivers of Eden, entering a sacred space that prefigures the heavenly kingdom. This type of liturgical geography -- where the physical space of the church mirrors cosmic or biblical landscapes -- is well attested in Byzantine theological writing but rarely survives in actual mosaic programmes.

The choice to depict these rivers as human figures pouring water from vessels follows classical Greco-Roman artistic conventions for representing rivers, demonstrating the continuity of pagan artistic vocabulary in Christian service -- a characteristic feature of early Byzantine art.

Animal Symbolism in Church B

The animals depicted in Church B are not random decorations. In early Byzantine art, animals carried symbolic meanings:

• Peacocks symbolized resurrection and immortality (because their flesh was believed never to decay).
• Deer represented the faithful soul thirsting for God (Psalm 42:1: "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God").
• Lions symbolized Christ's power and kingship.
• Griffons -- mythical creatures combining eagle and lion -- represented divine watchfulness.

The systematic arrangement of these animals in geometric panels creates a visual encyclopedia of Christian symbolism accessible to literate and illiterate worshippers alike.

Archaeological Work

Dokuz Eylul University Campaigns (2003-2008)

Systematic investigation of Hadrianopolis began with surveys in 2003 and continued through four major campaigns up to 2008, led by a team from Dokuz Eylul University (Izmir). The 2005 surveys alone identified the remains of at least 24 buildings, many with extensive mosaic floors, establishing the site's extraordinary importance.

Key Publications

• Hadrianopolis IV: Early Byzantine Mosaics and Frescoes from Northwestern Central Turkey (BAR International Series) -- the definitive scholarly publication on the site's mosaics and frescoes, bringing the site to international academic attention.
• Multiple academic articles in Turkish and international journals documenting the fort, cavalry mask, churches, burial practices, game pieces, and the underground rock settlement.

Conservation and Restoration

Mosaic conservation has been a priority from the beginning. The Church A mosaics underwent multi-year restoration before being opened to visitors. Protective shelters have been erected over the most significant mosaic floors to prevent weather damage, while allowing visitors to view the mosaics from elevated walkways.

Recent Discoveries (2023-2025)

• 2023: Discovery of the 5,500-year-old underground rock settlement with illuminated galleries.
• 2023-2024: New mosaic panels uncovered in Church B, including previously unknown animal depictions.
• 2024: Roman military game pieces, the arbalest-type fibula, and the "River God" Charon coin discovered in the southern necropolis.
• 2024-2025: Investigation of two mysterious circular structures, ongoing geophysical surveys of unexcavated areas.

Current Status

The site has been prepared for tourism, with the mosaic churches being the primary attraction. Protective shelters, walkways, and information panels have been installed. Ongoing research continues to map unexcavated areas using geophysical survey methods, suggesting that much of the ancient city remains to be discovered.

Visitor Information

Getting There

• By car: Eskipazar is located on the D765 highway between Karabuk and Bolu. The archaeological site is approximately 3 km west of Eskipazar town centre, accessible by a signposted road. The drive from Ankara is approximately 200 km (about 2.5 hours). From Istanbul, approximately 350 km (about 4 hours).
• By bus: Regular buses connect Ankara, Istanbul, and Karabuk to Eskipazar. From Eskipazar, the site is a short taxi or dolmus ride (about 5 minutes).

What to See

• Church A mosaics (the river personifications) -- the must-see highlight of any visit.
• Church B mosaics (the animal panels) -- compare with Zeugma-style compositions.
• The Roman bath and its frigidarium mosaic.
• The fort area where the cavalry mask was found.
• Rock-cut tombs in the surrounding landscape.
• Information panels providing context for each structure.

Recommended Visit Duration

• Standard visit (mosaic churches and bath): 1.5-2 hours.
• Extended visit (all structures, tombs, and landscape survey): 3-4 hours.
• Combine with Safranbolu: Eskipazar is only 40 km from the UNESCO World Heritage town of Safranbolu, making an excellent combined itinerary for a full day of cultural tourism.

Best Seasons

• Late spring (May-June): pleasant weather, green landscape, wildflowers.
• Early autumn (September-October): mild temperatures, spectacular autumn foliage in the surrounding hills.
• Summer: warm and dry, suitable for visits with sun protection; start early.
• Winter: cold with possible snow; check road conditions before visiting. The mosaics under shelters can still be viewed.

Practical Tips

• Wear comfortable walking shoes; the terrain is mostly flat but can be muddy after rain.
• Bring water and sun protection in summer.
• Photography is generally permitted; check for specific restrictions at mosaic shelters.
• The Karabuk Archaeological Museum and the Safranbolu historical town complement a Hadrianopolis visit perfectly.
• Local Eskipazar restaurants serve traditional Black Sea cuisine -- try the regional specialties.
• The site is suitable for families; the flat terrain is easier to navigate than many ancient cities.
• Allow time to visit Safranbolu if possible -- the combination of Hadrianopolis mosaics and Safranbolu's Ottoman architecture makes for one of the best day trips in northern Turkey.

Nearby Attractions

• Safranbolu -- UNESCO World Heritage Ottoman town (40 km), famous for its traditional houses and saffron.
• Karabuk -- provincial capital with an archaeological museum (20 km).
• Bartin -- Black Sea coastal town with beaches and natural beauty (80 km north).
• Amasra -- picturesque ancient coastal fortress town (100 km north).
• Kastamonu -- historical city with Ottoman architecture and nearby national parks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Hadrianapolis called the "Zeugma of the Black Sea"?

The nickname reflects the exceptional quality and preservation of its early Byzantine floor mosaics, which are comparable in artistic merit to the famous Hellenistic and Roman mosaics at Zeugma (Gaziantep). While the styles and periods differ -- Zeugma's mosaics are primarily Hellenistic/Roman while Hadrianopolis's are early Byzantine -- both sites share a remarkable richness of figural mosaic art that sets them apart from other ancient sites in Turkey.

What are the "four rivers of Paradise" in the mosaics?

Christian theology identifies four rivers flowing from the Garden of Eden: the Pishon, Gihon, Tigris, and Euphrates (Genesis 2:10-14). At Hadrianapolis, these rivers are depicted as human personifications pouring water from vessels -- a unique iconographic composition not found elsewhere in Anatolia and extremely rare in the Christian world. The depictions include their ancient names inscribed in Greek.

Who was Saint Alypios the Stylite?

Saint Alypios (c. 540-614 AD) was a Christian ascetic born in Hadrianapolis who became famous for standing on a pillar (stylite practice) for decades as a form of extreme devotion. When his legs became paralyzed, he continued his vigil lying down. He founded both a male and female monastery in his home city and is venerated as a protector of children in Orthodox Christian tradition. His life story, preserved in hagiographic texts, provides valuable historical information about Hadrianopolis in the 6th-7th centuries.

How was the cavalry face mask used?

Roman cavalry face masks were worn during hippika gymnasia -- elaborate military parade exercises where cavalry units performed choreographed manoeuvres demonstrating their skill. The masks, often depicting idealized human or divine faces, were part of ceremonial armour rather than battlefield equipment. Finding one at Hadrianopolis confirms a Roman military presence and is of international significance due to the rarity of such finds.

What are the Roman game pieces?

The bone game pieces discovered in 2024 were used for Ludus Latrunculorum (a tactical strategy game similar to chess) and Ludus duodecim scriptorum (similar to backgammon). Dating to the 5th century CE, they provide evidence that Roman soldiers at Hadrianopolis passed their leisure time with the same games played by troops across the empire, humanizing the military occupation of this frontier post.

How old is the underground rock settlement?

The underground rock settlement with illuminated galleries dates to approximately 3,500 BC (Chalcolithic period), making it about 5,500 years old. This is thousands of years older than the Roman city above it, demonstrating the deep antiquity of human activity at this strategic location.

Can I visit the site year-round?

The site is generally accessible year-round, but winter conditions (snow, mud) can limit access and make the terrain difficult. Spring and autumn are recommended. Check with local authorities for current opening status, as some areas may be closed during active conservation work.

Is there an entrance fee?

Check current conditions with the Karabuk provincial directorate of culture and tourism, as fees and visiting arrangements may change. The site has been prepared for tourism with walkways, shelters, and information panels.

Architectural Measurements and Key Figures

The following table compiles the principal documented dimensions and statistics for the major monuments at Hadrianapolis, drawn from excavation reports, the BAR International Series publication, and field survey data.

Numismatic Evidence

Although Hadrianapolis was not a major mint city, numismatic finds from the site and its necropolis provide critical evidence for the city's economic connections and cultural practices.

The "River God" Coin

The most significant numismatic discovery is a 2nd-century AD bronze coin featuring an engraving of the "River God" alongside the inscription "Kezios". This coin, unearthed in the southern necropolis, reveals the ancient name of the local river -- now called the Eskipazar River -- as the Kezios. The River God is depicted in the standard Greco-Roman personification: a reclining male figure leaning on an overturned water vessel, symbolizing the life-giving power of the waterway.

The coin was found inside a tomb, placed according to the ancient custom of providing a Charon's obol -- payment to the mythological ferryman Charon for transporting the deceased's soul across the river Styx. This burial practice persisted in Hadrianapolis well into the period when Christianity was becoming the dominant religion, illustrating the complex coexistence of pagan funerary customs and Christian belief in a transitional-era community.

Coin Circulation Evidence

Additional coin finds from the site span from the 1st through 6th centuries AD, with issues of various Roman emperors appearing in domestic and commercial contexts. The presence of coins from distant mints confirms that Hadrianapolis participated in the broader circulation network of the Roman provincial economy, despite its relatively remote mountain-fringe location.

Excavation Chronology and Institutional History

The following table provides a detailed timeline of the archaeological investigation of Hadrianapolis from the initial surveys through the most recent campaigns.

The excavation is currently led by Assoc. Prof. Ersin Celikbas from the Department of Archaeology at Karabuk University's Faculty of Literature, working with a team of approximately 60 specialists and workers.

Trade Networks and Regional Connectivity

Hadrianapolis occupied a pivotal position in the overland trade network connecting the Central Anatolian plateau to the Black Sea ports. The corridor through southwestern Paphlagonia served as one of the principal routes for moving goods between the agricultural interior and the maritime economy of the coast.

Key trade commodities documented through archaeological evidence include:

• Grain and agricultural produce: The fertile basin around Eskipazar supported intensive cereal farming, with surplus production moving to coastal markets through the mountain passes.
• Viticulture products: Ancient sources and material evidence confirm wine production in the region, with amphorae fragments found at the site indicating both local consumption and export.
• Timber: The surrounding mountain forests of oak, beech, and pine provided timber that was a valuable commodity for shipbuilding at the Black Sea ports.
• Ceramics: Published ceramic studies (Hadrianopolis III) document a wide range of locally produced and imported wares, including fine tableware from major production centres in western Anatolia, demonstrating the city's integration into long-distance trade networks.

The road station function of Hadrianapolis is further confirmed by the bath complex, which would have served not only the resident population but also travellers and traders resting on the route between coast and plateau -- a standard feature of Roman road-station infrastructure.

Sources and Further Reading

• Hadrianopolis in Paphlagonia -- Wikipedia
• Hadrianapolis -- Kultur Envanteri
• Hadrianopolis IV (BAR International Series) -- BAR Publishing
• Why Was Hadrianopolis Suddenly Abandoned? -- Greek Reporter
• New mosaics at Hadrianopolis -- Daily Sabah
• Rare fibula, coin unearthed at Hadrianopolis -- Turkiye Today
• Roman strategy game pieces found -- La Brujula Verde
• Roman game bone stones -- Arkeonews
• 5,500-year-old underground settlement -- Ancient Pages
• Mystery of circular structures -- Anatolian Archaeology
• Early Anatolian church found in Karabuk -- Hurriyet Daily News
• Iron Roman cavalry face mask -- Ancient Origins
• Hadrianopolis reinvigorated by visits -- Daily Sabah