Settlements > Antioch on the Maeander

Antioch on the Maeander

Background

Antioch on the Maeander, also known as Antiochia on the Maeander, was an ancient city located in the region of Caria, in modern-day Turkey. The city was founded in the 3rd century BCE by Antiochus I Soter, one of the successors of Alexander the Great and the ruler of the Seleucid Empire. The city was strategically positioned near the Maeander River, which was significant for trade and transportation.

Key features of Antioch on the Maeander include:

1. Location and Geography: Situated near the Maeander River (modern-day Büyük Menderes River), the city benefited from fertile plains and a strategic position for controlling the region's trade routes.

2. Founding and Historical Significance: Founded by Antiochus I Soter, the city played a role in the Seleucid Empire's efforts to consolidate and control its territories. It later came under the control of the Romans.

3. Cultural and Economic Aspects: As with many ancient cities, Antioch on the Maeander had a diverse cultural life influenced by Hellenistic traditions. Its economy likely relied on agriculture, trade, and possibly local craftsmanship.

4. Archaeological Remains: Although less famous than other ancient cities, archaeological evidence such as ruins, inscriptions, and artifacts provide insights into the city's layout and daily life. Remains of buildings, city walls, and other structures have been found, contributing to the understanding of its historical context.

5. Decline and Legacy: The city's prominence declined over the centuries, particularly during the Roman and Byzantine periods. Today, the site is an important archaeological and historical location, providing valuable information about ancient Carian and Hellenistic civilizations.

Antioch on the Maeander serves as a testament to the rich history of the Hellenistic period and the cultural and economic exchanges that took place in the ancient world.

Sources

Talbert, Richard. [Barrington Atlas of the Greek and Roman World], Princeton University Press, 2000, Map 65, H5 and Map-by-map Directory, p. 997]

William Hazlit, The Classical Gazetteer (1851)

Michel Lequien, Oriens christianus in quatuor Patriarchatus digestus, Paris 1740, Vol. I, coll. 907-908

Vincenzo Ruggiari, A historical Addendum to the episcopal Lists of Caria, in Revue des études byzantines, Année 1996, Volume 54, Numéro 54, pp. 221–234 (in particular p. 233

Annuario Pontificio 2013 (Libreria Editrice Vaticana 2013 ISBN 978-88-209-9070-1), p. 834

Blue Guide, Turkey: The Aegean and Mediterranean Coasts (ISBN 0-393-30489-2), p. 359.

"Archeogical Research at Aphrodisias in Caria, 1994". American Journal of Archaeology, Vol. 100, pp 5–33.