Location: Ancient City of Syria, Modern day Turkey
Situated near the Mediterranean Sea, and at the edge of a large, fertile plain between Mount Silpius and the left bank of the river Orontes, Antioch's strategic command of north-south and east-west roads across northwestern Syria, greatly contributed to its growth and prosperity in Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine times. |
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Antioch was first founded in about 300BCE, by Seleucus I Nicator (picture on the right), emperor of the Selucid Kingdom. At that time, it became known as the Tetrapolis (meaning four cities), and already had fine monuments and statues. Because it was such a “catch” due to its geographical position, Antioch was under various empires, including the Romans and the Abbasid Caliphate. They even built great temples, a forum, a theater, baths, aqueducts, and other public buildings.
Center of Seleucid kingdom -- (64 BCE) Capital of Roman province of Syria -- (530 and 611 CE) Captured temporarily by the Persians -- (637CE) Abassid caliphate -- (969 CE) Byzantines -- (1084 CE) Selijuq Turks -- (1098 CE) Crusaders -- (1268 CE) Mamluks
Center of Seleucid kingdom -- (64 BCE) Capital of Roman province of Syria -- (530 and 611 CE) Captured temporarily by the Persians -- (637CE) Abassid caliphate -- (969 CE) Byzantines -- (1084 CE) Selijuq Turks -- (1098 CE) Crusaders -- (1268 CE) Mamluks
Trade
Situated next to the Mediterranean Sea, and at the end of the Silk Road, Antioch was a resting place, for (mostly) merchants to continue their journey to Europe, and trade over there. It marked a distinct climatic and cultural change from Central Asia. From here, ships carry goods in both directions across the Mediterranean Sea to Rome, Venice, and Genoa. Because of its fertile land, the trade center of Antioch was based mainly on the agricultural produce of the adjacent area, where grains, cotton, grapes, olives, and vegetables were grown. Imports usually included silk fabrics, fragrances, spices, and jewels from East and Central Asia.
Others
Antioch was the early center of Christianity, as it was one of the places Paul traveled to, on his missionary journey. It was in Antioch, where the followers of Jesus were first called Christians, thus causing it to be one of the three original patriarchates (the office of an ecclesiastical patriarch). In addition, Constantine's son, Constantius II, even dedicated a magnificent basilica, called the Domus Aurea (Golden House), to this religion.
Acts 13:14-42
"From Perga they went on to Pisidian Antioch. On the Sabbath they entered the synagogue and sat down. After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the leaders of the synagogue sent word to them, saying, 'Brothers, if you have a word of exhortation for the people, please speak.'Standing up, Paul motioned with his hand and said: “Fellow Israelites and you Gentiles who worship God, listen to me!..."
Acts 13:14-42
"From Perga they went on to Pisidian Antioch. On the Sabbath they entered the synagogue and sat down. After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the leaders of the synagogue sent word to them, saying, 'Brothers, if you have a word of exhortation for the people, please speak.'Standing up, Paul motioned with his hand and said: “Fellow Israelites and you Gentiles who worship God, listen to me!..."