Roman Archaeology in a South Anatolian Landscape - The Via Sebaste, The Mansio in the Doeseme Bogazi, and Regional Transhumance in Pamphylia and Pisidi

An investigation of a Roman road station in southern Anatolia provides a new perspective on the historical landscape, focusing on the settlements associated with a Roman mansio in the Döseme Bogazi. The road and structures were defined by Roman priorities, particularly during late antiquity, and raise questions about the movement of people and animals between the lowlands and highlands.

Format: Hardback
Length: 210 pages
Publication date: 17 May 2022
Publisher: Koc University Press

This comprehensive investigation delves into the archaeological and geographical significance of a Roman road station in southern Anatolia, offering a fresh perspective on the historical landscape of the region. Conducted during the 1990s in southwest Turkey, particularly in the modern vilayets of Burdur and Antalya, the study centers around the settlements linked to a Roman mansio situated in the Döseme Bogazi, the pass that connected Pisidia with the coastal region of Pamphylia. The course of the road and the structures that emerged along it were shaped not by the evolution of Pisidia's Hellenized indigenous culture but rather by the priorities of Roman governance, particularly during late antiquity. Furthermore, the examination of the road where the mansio was located raises fundamental questions about the pivotal role played by this mountain pass in facilitating the movement of people and animals between the lowlands and highlands of South-west Anatolia.

Background:
The study area encompasses the modern vilayets of Burdur and Antalya, located in southwest Turkey, which were historically part of the Roman province of Pisidia. The Döseme Bogazi, the pass that linked Pisidia with the coastal region of Pamphylia, is of particular interest in this investigation. The road passing through the Döseme Bogazi played a crucial role in the economic and cultural exchange between the two regions, as well as in the movement of people and animals.

Archaeological Findings:
The fieldwork conducted in the study area has revealed a wealth of archaeological evidence, including Roman road structures, settlements, and tombs. The road itself was paved with stone slabs, and it followed a relatively straight course between the two valleys. Along the road, several settlements were located, including the mansio mentioned earlier. These settlements were characterized by their well-organized grid-like layouts, indicating a strong Roman influence.

Geographical Context:
The Döseme Bogazi lies at an elevation of approximately 1,200 meters above sea level, and it provides a strategic vantage point for controlling the passage between the coastal region of Pamphylia and the interior of Anatolia. The pass was also important for trade and commerce, as it facilitated the movement of goods and people between the Mediterranean and the Black Sea.

Conclusion:
This investigation has shed new light on the historical landscape of southern Anatolia, highlighting the role played by the Roman road station in shaping the region's development. The study of the road and the settlements associated with it provides valuable insights into the economic, social, and cultural interactions between the Roman Empire and the indigenous cultures of the region. Furthermore, the study of the Döseme Bogazi raises important questions about the role of mountain passes in the movement of people and animals in ancient societies.

Weight: 988g
Dimension: 287 x 222 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9786057685728