Overview:

is an archeological site on the banks of the Euphrates River, where the city of Zeugma was founded during the Hellenistic period. It was an important center of culture and commerce in the ancient world, serving as a bridge between the east and the west. The site was partially flooded in 2000 due to the construction of the Birecik Dam, leaving many parts of the city submerged, though recent excavations have revealed many artifacts and structures still intact. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Turkey
Prominent Features:

Zeugma Ancient City is located in Gaziantep, Turkey. It is one of the largest and most important archaeological sites in the country. The city was founded in the 3rd century BC by the Greek Seleucids who used the city as a military garrison. It is best known for its 4th century mosaics, which are considered among the finest in the world. The ruins contain a range of structures including a majestic theatre, a gymnasium, temples, and more. Visitors can explore the once-bustling marketplace, take in the view of the Euphrates River from the city walls, and admire the numerous sculptures and statues. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Turkey.

History:

Zeugma Ancient City is located in the southeast of Gaziantep province in Turkey, and was founded in the 3rd century BC by the Seleucid dynasty. The city was originally named Seleucia on the Euphrates, after the founder Antiochus Seleucus. It was an important city and trade center, as it lay at the intersection of two important ancient trade routes; one that moved from the Mediterranean Sea to Babylon, and the other one coming from Harran. The transition of power from the Seleucids to the Romans in the first century BC did not affect the strategic importance of Zeugma, and it continued to be an important center of trade and commerce with the rise of the Roman Empire. According to historical sources, the city was captured by the Roman General Pompey during his campaign in Syria in 67 BC. The exceptional wealth of this city was recorded in Pliny the Elder’s “Natural History”, as an important cultural center as well as a location of great complexity and charm. He wrote that Zeugma was a significant business center, with a diverse population living there from all parts of the Roman Empire. In the 4th century AD, Zeugma was again taken over by the Romans in their campaign against the Persians. During this time, archaeological evidence reveals that the city continued to be a vibrant and affluent center, populated by Greeks, Persians, Armenians, Romans and other ethnicities. In 1871, the city of Gaziantep was founded as a modern state and it subsequently absorbed Zeugma into its Turkified population. For many years, Zeugma was flooded by the Euphrates River, but in 2000 a dam was constructed that caused the city to be submerged up to a depth of thirty-five feet. As a consequence, the ancient mosaics of Zeugma are now located under the water. As of 2017, research and excavation efforts are ongoing, and the site is being conserved by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Turkey. Visit one of the famous monuments of Turkey with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Zeugma Ancient City was founded by the great Macedonian king Seleucus I Nicator in 300 BC. 2. The name “Zeugma” means “bridge” or “passage” and was given to the city by Seleucus in honor of the nearby Euphrates River which he had crossed. 3. Many of the ancient mosaics depicting figures from Greco-Roman mythology were discovered in Zeugma, most notably the “Gypsy Girl” mosaic, made of small limestone cubes, which is one of the most iconic images of ancient art from the region. 4. Zeugma was a prominent center of trade and culture and was renowned for its renowned wineries, olive presses, and huge silk industry. 5. Zeugma was one of the most prosperous cities in the Mediterranean region, but it was badly damaged by an earthquake in 115 AD. 6. In 2000, a portion of Zeugma was flooded due to the construction of a hydroelectric power plant. 7. In an effort to preserve the ancient site, some of the structures were transported to other parts of the country and are now on display in the Zeugma Mosaic Museum in Gaziantep. One of the historical monuments of Turkey, it tells the story of a bygone era