CILICIA. Anazarbus. Tranquillina.(241-244).Ae.

Obv : ϹΑΒΕΙΝΙΑ ΤΡΑΝΚΥΛΛΕΙΝΑ ΑΥΓ.
Diademed and draped bust right.

Rev : ΑΝΑΖΑΡΒΟΥ ΕΝΔΟΞ ΜΗΤΡΟΠΟΛΕ, ΕΤ ΑΞϹ.
Draped bust of Selene in front of crescent and seven stars.
RPC VII.2, 3191.
EX BIGA.

Condition : This coin is in fair condition with a rough, greenish-brown patina covering the surface. Some areas show reddish-brown patches, indicating oxidation or wear over time. The details of the figures and inscriptions are partially worn but still visible.Very fine.

Material : Bronze.
Axis : 12h

Weight : 12.69 gr
Diameter : 25 mm

Anazarbus, an ancient city located in the Cilicia region of southeastern Anatolia, now in modern-day Turkey, was one of the most important cities of ancient Cilicia. Known for its strategic location on the Cilician plain near the Ceyhan River, the city played a significant role in the political, military, and cultural life of the region throughout antiquity and the medieval period. The city’s long history is marked by its rise under Roman rule, its prominence in Byzantine times, and its survival through periods of Arab, Crusader, and Armenian control.

Anazarbus, also known as Caesarea ad Anazarbus in Roman times, was originally founded by the indigenous peoples of Cilicia before becoming a Hellenistic settlement. During the Seleucid era in the 3rd century BCE, the city started to gain importance, but its real ascent came during the Roman Empire. Under Roman rule, Anazarbus flourished, benefiting from its location along key trade routes that connected the Mediterranean coast with the interior of Asia Minor and the broader eastern provinces of the Roman Empire.

The city gained its Roman name, Caesarea ad Anazarbus, after the Roman emperor Augustus granted it special status. Like other cities that adopted the name “Caesarea,” this reflected the city’s loyalty to Rome and its importance within the empire. During this period, Anazarbus became a prosperous city with a wealth of public buildings, monuments, baths, temples, and an impressive aqueduct system. Roman urban planning transformed the city, which became known for its grand architecture, including a theater, stadium, and city walls, all of which showcased Roman engineering prowess.

Anazarbus was strategically located in the Cilician plain, which was a fertile agricultural area and a crucial part of the Roman Empire’s grain supply network. Its proximity to the mountains of the Taurus range also gave it control over important passes, particularly the Cilician Gates, which connected central Anatolia to the Mediterranean coast. This made Anazarbus not only a center of trade but also a critical military stronghold, allowing it to defend against invasions from the east and control movements through the Taurus Mountains.

During the Byzantine period, Anazarbus retained its prominence as a regional center. It became the capital of the province of Cilicia Secunda, a key administrative division of the Byzantine Empire. The city’s defenses were further enhanced, and it served as a military stronghold during times of conflict, particularly in the face of Arab incursions. The city’s strategic importance as a defensive bulwark against eastern invaders was vital to the empire's control over the region.

Anazarbus was not only a military and political center but also a religious hub during the Christian period. As early as the 4th century CE, the city became the seat of a bishopric, and several churches were constructed in the city. The Christian community grew, and Anazarbus became an important center for theological discussions and debates. The city’s bishops often played a role in the wider ecclesiastical affairs of the Byzantine Empire.

However, Anazarbus was not immune to natural disasters. The city suffered several significant earthquakes over the centuries, particularly in the 6th century, which caused extensive damage to its buildings and infrastructure. Despite these setbacks, the city was rebuilt each time, testifying to its importance and resilience.

During the early Islamic period, Anazarbus changed hands multiple times between the Byzantines and Arab forces. The city became part of the Umayyad and later Abbasid Caliphates, serving as a frontier post in the constant struggle between the Muslim and Byzantine empires. The city’s location made it a critical site for military campaigns, and its fortifications were strengthened further during this time.

In the medieval period, Anazarbus became a key city in the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia, which emerged in the 12th century. Under Armenian control, the city was heavily fortified and served as a royal residence for the Armenian kings. The Armenians referred to the city as Anazarba, and it remained an important political and cultural center during the kingdom’s height. The Armenians expanded the city’s defenses, building massive fortifications and a citadel on the rocky hill that overlooked the city, which still stands today as a testament to their engineering skills.

The Crusaders also played a role in the history of Anazarbus. The city became involved in the Crusader states’ complex politics, often changing hands between the Crusaders and the Armenians. Its location near the coast and along important routes made it a target for Crusader campaigns, as well as for rival factions within the Armenian kingdom.

The city began to decline in the late medieval period, particularly after the Mamluks of Egypt launched several campaigns in Cilicia, eventually conquering the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia in the late 14th century. Anazarbus, like many other cities in the region, fell into decline as political power shifted and new trade routes bypassed the once-thriving metropolis. By the time of the Ottoman Empire’s rise, Anazarbus had largely fallen into ruin.

Today, the ruins of Anazarbus are an important archaeological site. The city’s remains, particularly its fortifications, Roman structures, and medieval Armenian citadel, stand as a testament to its rich and varied history. Visitors to the site can still see the remnants of its Roman aqueduct, city walls, and the remains of Byzantine churches. The medieval Armenian fortress, perched atop the hill, provides a panoramic view of the surrounding plains and serves as a reminder of the city’s strategic significance throughout history.

In conclusion, Anazarbus was a city of great importance in the ancient and medieval periods, serving as a political, military, and economic hub in Cilicia. Its strategic location, fertile lands, and impressive fortifications made it a key player in the power struggles of the Roman, Byzantine, Islamic, and Armenian eras. Despite its eventual decline, the legacy of Anazarbus endures through its archaeological remains, offering a glimpse into the rich history of Cilicia and the broader Mediterranean world.