Selge: A Pisidian Citadel
Unearthing the Legacy of a Resilient Ancient City in the Heart of Anatolia.
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City Overview
Location & Geography
Selge was a significant ancient city situated on the southern slopes of the Taurus Mountains, within the region of Pisidia. It commanded a strategic position where the Eurymedon River carved its path through the mountainous terrain, leading south towards the Pamphylian coast. The surrounding district was renowned for its fertile lands, yielding abundant oil and wine.
Historical Context
Believed to be a Greek colony, Selge's origins are traced by ancient historians to Spartan settlers. Its robust political constitution and excellent laws fostered a powerful and populous city, capable of fielding a substantial army. This strength allowed Selge to maintain its independence, never succumbing to foreign dominion, and earning the respect of figures like Alexander the Great.
Archaeological Status
Today, Selge exists as a ruin, a testament to its long and storied past. The site features remnants of its ancient fortifications, the acropolis, and various civic structures. Its most notable surviving monument is the Roman theatre, which underwent restoration in the 3rd century AD, offering a glimpse into the city's architectural grandeur.
A History of Resilience
Foundation and Independence
Ancient sources, including Strabo and Stephanus of Byzantium, suggest Selge was founded by Spartans. Its acropolis was known as Kesbedion. The city's strategic location, though difficult to access due to surrounding precipices and torrents, contributed to its self-reliance. Its well-structured governance and the inherent valor of its inhabitants, whom Strabo considered worthy kinsmen of the Spartans, allowed Selge to remain a free and independent entity throughout antiquity.
Encounters with Empires
During Alexander the Great's passage through Pisidia in 333 BC, Selge sent an embassy, securing his favor and friendship. Later, in 218 BC, during the conflicts involving Achaeus, Selge found itself at war with the neighboring city of Pednelissus. Achaeus dispatched a significant force to besiege Selge. Despite a prolonged and fierce resistance, the city was eventually compelled to sue for peace due to betrayal, agreeing to substantial tribute payments.
Economic and Cultural Significance
The region surrounding Selge was exceptionally fertile, producing significant quantities of oil and wine. The city itself was also celebrated for its unique products, including timber from the mountainous terrain and a highly valued storax tree, known for yielding a strong perfume. Furthermore, Selge was renowned for a specific ointment prepared from iris root, indicating a sophisticated local economy and artisanal tradition.
Architectural Vestiges
Key Structures
The archaeological remains at Selge offer a compelling narrative of its past. Visitors can explore remnants of the city's defensive walls and the acropolis. Traces of civic buildings such as the gymnasium, stoa, stadium, and basilica are discernible. The most remarkably preserved monument is the city's theatre, a testament to Roman engineering and patronage, which was restored in the 3rd century AD.
Visualizing the Site
While direct imagery is not displayed, the surviving structures paint a vivid picture of Selge's urban layout and architectural achievements. The theatre, in particular, stands as a focal point, showcasing the city's capacity for public assembly and entertainment. The scattered ruins across the landscape hint at a once-thriving metropolis nestled within the dramatic mountain scenery.
The Eurymedon Bridge
Roman Engineering Marvel
Approximately halfway along the route connecting Selge to the Pamphylian coastal plain, a significant Roman engineering feat spans the deep valley of the Eurymedon River. This well-preserved Roman bridge served as a crucial artery, facilitating access to the city and highlighting the Roman Empire's infrastructure development in the region. Its continued existence underscores the quality of Roman construction.
Ecclesiastical History
Seat of a Bishopric
Selge held ecclesiastical importance as the seat of an ancient bishopric within the Roman province of Pamphylia Prima. Its documentation in the Notitiae Episcopatuum of the Patriarchate of Constantinople extends into the fourteenth century, indicating its continued relevance during the Byzantine era. The eventual lapse of the residential see is likely attributable to the Islamic conquests in the region.
Titular See
In later centuries, Selge was recognized as a titular archbishopric of the Catholic Church. While the title has not been assigned since 1969, its historical listing reflects the enduring legacy of the city's ecclesiastical presence. The records detail various bishops and archbishops who held the title, spanning from the early Christian period through the Byzantine era and into modern times.
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References
References
- Strabo, Geographia, xii. 7
- STEPHANUS OF BYZANTIUM, ETHNICA, § S560.1
- Polybius, Histories, v. 76
- Polybius, v. 72-77
- Zosimus, Historia Nova, v. 15
- Ptolemy, Geographia, v. 5
- Catholic Hierarchy
- Pius Bonifacius Gams, Series episcoporum Ecclesiae Catholicae, (Leipzig, 1931), p. 450
- Jean Darrouzès, Notitiae episcopatuum Ecclesiae Constantinopolitanae. Texte critique, introduction et notes, Parigi 1981: indice page. 513.
- Sylvain Destephen, Prosopographie chrétienne du Bas-Empire 3. Prosopographie du diocèse d'Asie (325-641), Paris 2008, p. 727
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Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not professional archaeological or historical advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for consultation with qualified historians, archaeologists, or cultural heritage professionals. Always refer to primary sources and expert analysis for definitive understanding.
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