Roman Provincias > Provincia Cilicia

Provincia Cilicia

Background

Provincia Cilicia was a Roman province located in the southeastern region of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), bordering the Mediterranean Sea to the south. Here's an overview of the province:

Geography:

Cilicia was situated in a strategic location between the Taurus Mountains and the Mediterranean coast. It encompassed a diverse landscape, including fertile plains, rugged mountains, and coastal plains. The province was bordered by the provinces of Pamphylia to the west, Galatia to the north, Syria to the east, and the Mediterranean Sea to the south.

Conquest and Administration:

Cilicia was originally inhabited by various indigenous peoples, including the Cilicians, Greeks, and Armenians. It came under the control of the Roman Republic during the campaigns of Pompey the Great in the 1st century BCE. After its conquest, Cilicia was organized as a Roman province, with Tarsus as its capital. The province was governed by a Roman proconsul or governor appointed by the emperor.

Economy and Resources:

Cilicia was known for its fertile soil and favorable climate, which supported agriculture and trade. The region produced a variety of crops, including grains, olives, grapes, and citrus fruits, as well as silk and cotton. Cilicia also had significant mineral resources, including iron, copper, and marble, which were mined and exported to other parts of the Roman Empire.

Urban Centers and Infrastructure:

Tarsus, located on the Cydnus River, was the capital and largest city of Cilicia. It was an important center of trade, culture, and learning, boasting a renowned university and library. Other significant cities in Cilicia included Adana, Anazarbus, and Mopsuestia, each serving as administrative, commercial, and cultural centers within the province. The Romans developed a network of roads and aqueducts in Cilicia to facilitate transportation, communication, and irrigation, further stimulating economic development and urbanization.

Culture and Society:

Cilicia was a culturally diverse region with a mix of indigenous Anatolian, Greek, and Roman influences. Greek was the predominant language spoken in urban areas, while Latin was used in official and military contexts. The population of Cilicia included Greeks, Romans, indigenous Cilicians, and various other ethnic groups. The region was known for its religious diversity, with temples dedicated to Greek and Roman gods and goddesses, as well as local deities.

Decline and Legacy:

Cilicia remained under Roman rule until the decline of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century CE. Following the Roman period, the region was ruled by various powers, including the Byzantine Empire, the Arab Caliphates, and later the Ottoman Empire. The legacy of Roman Cilicia endures in its archaeological sites, monuments, and cultural heritage, which provide valuable insights into the history of the region and its interactions with the broader Mediterranean world.

Roman Provincias

Roman Provincias List

Sources

Primary Sources

Strabo, Geographica Book XIV Chapter V

Secondary Sources