Pompeiopolis Ancient City (Zimbilli Hoyuk)

Pompeiopolis Ancient City (Zimbilli Hoyuk)

Pompeiopolis, an ancient city situated in the heart of Taşköprü District in Kastamonu Province, was established by the Romans in 64 BC and served as the capital of Paphlagonia. Today, visitors can observe some of the architectural fragments from the ancient city, while the artifacts uncovered during archaeological excavations are on display at the Kastamonu Museum.

Pompeiopolis Ancient City (Zimbilli Hoyuk)

Ongoing excavations in Pompeiopolis have revealed that the city is a remarkable replica of Ephesus and Gaziantep Zeugma. These studies have traced the history of Pompeiopolis back to the Roman period, uncovering the oldest historical ruins.

Located 25 kilometers east of Taşköprü, Pompeiopolis is situated on the Zımbıllı hill and is bordered to the south by Ilgaz Mountain and to the east by the Pınarbaşı valley. Pompeiopolis was founded in 65/64 BCE by Pompeius as a city-state on the Amnias valley, a crucial east-west road crossing. The name of the city, "Pompeiopolis," is derived from Pompeius himself. After the last king of Paphlagonia, Deiotanos Philadephos, died in 6-5 BC, the region was linked to the Roman province of Galatia, and Pompeiopolis was transformed into a Roman city, ultimately becoming the capital of the region due to its strategic location.

In the middle of the 6th century AD, Pompeiopolis became an episcopal center but later lost its importance. During the excavations led by the Kastamonu Museum, many intricate mosaic floors were discovered, although only a few physical remains of the city can be seen today.