Komana (Comana Pontica) Ancient City During the Hellenistic era, the region now called Tokat was home to two temple states. The larger of these was Komana, a Cappadocian-style sanctuary dedicated to Ma, who was revered as a Mother Goddess. The Komana Temple State held a political status and functioned as a commercial hub for travelers in the area. After King Mithradates VII fled, Komana transformed into a principality and was conquered by Pompey in the 1st century BC. Subsequently, it was governed by Archelaus. When Caesar deposed Archelaus in 47 BC, his son assumed control of the principality. Later, it was inherited by Cleon, the son of Lykomedes Archelaus Medeius, and afterwards by Dyteutus, who was appointed by Augustus and ruled Komana. Upon Dyteutus' death, the territory was incorporated into the Pontus Galaticus province. By the time of Maurice Tiberius (582-602 AD), the influence of the priests had significantly declined, although the temple continued to function. During the reigns of the Kingdom of Pontus and Emperor Maurice, the temple also held the status of ager publicus for a certain period. The image of Ma, the mother goddess worshiped at the temple state, appeared on coins as early as the rule of Emperor Caligula. The only detailed information about the temple comes from coin impressions issued during the eras of Caracalla, Septimius Severus, and later Trajan, which illustrate a tetrastyle temple. It is speculated that some of the columns in Ali Pasha's Mosque in Tokat may originate from this ancient temple. The temple state of Comana Pontica, which provides valuable insight into the concept of a temple state, was a thriving commercial center in the interior of Pontus. According to Strabo, there were 6,000 sacred slaves (hierodouloi) devoted to the service of Ma, who swore oaths to cultivate the lands belonging to the temple. If you have any questions or would like more information about the Komana (Comana Pontica) Ancient City, please feel free to contact us at [email protected] or simply send us a message via WhatsApp, and we will reply as soon as possible.