History
- Antioch, founded by Alexander the Great‘s General, Seleucus.
- It was the third largest of the Roman Cities during the Roman Empire
- It was the main gateway for trade to the East via Ctesiphon in Persia, and formed part of the Silk Road.
- The Governor of Syria was based here, but the four Roman Legions in Syria were positioned in strategic Fortresses on the Frontiers.
- Antioch was an inland city. Its port was Seleucia of Pieria.
- The river Orontes was unnavigable, so a Roman Road was constructed along the river valley beside the river.
- The Legions disembarked at the Port of Seleucia Pieria, then marched to Antioch, before continuing east to conduct wars against the Parthian Empire.
- In the Ancient world, Persian armies had passed through this valley in the opposite direction to reach Egypt.
Roman Sites
- The Ruins of Antioch are now near Antakya, although mostly buried under the silts from the river Orontes.
- The Defensive Walls up the mountains
- The Cave church of St. Peter
- Roman Aqueduct.
- Titus Tunnel It is located 15 miles (24km) west of Antioch.
Museums
- The Hatay Archeological Museum
- It is located at Kucukdalyan, Antakya Reyhanh Yolu No:117, 31120 Antakya/ Hatay.
- The Museum contains one of the world’s largest collection of Roman mosaics from the surrounding region, along with other artefacts.
Roman Roads
- Roman Road
- A Roman Road was constructed along the Orontes valley beside the river to Antioch.
- It then continued east to the Frontier with Persia.
Antioch, Antakya, Turkey