A CITY AT THE JUNCTION POINT OF WESTERN ANATOLIA: KYZIKOS

Abstract

Kyzikos was established on the south of Propontis (Marmara), on a peninsula (Kapıdag), which dominates the roads coming from the Dardanelles and the Straits of Bosphorus. It is one of the important stops of sea traffic connecting the Aegean and the Mediterranean to the Black Sea. Kyzikos is a large trade center with its large ports and shipyard. Since the city is a large shopping center for Black Sea trade, it has been enriched since the early period. Kyzikos attracts attention with its connection to Pergamon (Bergama) and Sardes (Salihli), where the King's Road ended. It was at the beginning of the trade route from Kent Propontis to Pergamon and the cities in the Hermos Basin (Gediz).
Kyzikos has been accepted as the entrance gate of Asia. During the Roman period, Kyzikos was on the transition route from Europe to Asia, for the troops from the Euphrates shores to the shores of the Danube and the Rhine. The importance of the city has increased because of the combined three roads with the great army road in the east.
The privilege of Kyzikos in land and sea transportation played an important role in making its coins one of the most valid coins of the ancient period. Kyzikos has had a special place among other cities with its location at the crossroads of the most important transportation routes throughout history.