Sebastapolis Ancient City

Sebastapolis Ancient City

Sebastapolis is a city located in the town center of Sulusaray, believed to have been established during the Early Bronze Age, although no confirmed date of establishment exists. Some sources suggest it was founded in the 1st century AD.

Sebastapolis Ancient City

During the reign of Roman Emperor Trajan (98-117 AD), Pontus Galatico was separated from the Polemoniacus Provinces and incorporated into Cappadocia as a state. Notable citizens and people of Sebastapolis erected an inscription on behalf of Arrian, Governor of Cappadocia, regarding this subject.

The city of Sebastapolis has also been referred to as Heracleopolis in historical sources, which means the city of Hercules. This name may have been given to it due to its significance in Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods for its architecture.

The ancient city is surrounded by a remarkable stone wall constructed without the use of mortar. A circular marble temple was discovered towards the northeast, while the eastern end of the city houses the bathing rooms. Hot water supplies were found in a valley towards the southwest. Numerous statues, statuettes, friezes, columns, grave steles, and epitaphs were uncovered during excavation efforts.