Tyana Ancient City & Roman Pool One of the oldest cities in history located in Cappadocia—and now one of the quieter spots for tourists—is Tyana. Positioned along an important trade route, Tyana served as a key gathering place for local communities throughout different periods. Today, visitors don’t need to worry about large crowds, as few take the time to explore this historic site. The remarkable Roman aqueduct constructed here still remains intact, and the city lies within the town of Kemerhisar, in Nigde. Tyana first appears in historical records as 'Tuwanuwa' around 2000 BCE, documented by an ancient civilization known as the Hittites. They called this area the Lower Land, primarily inhabited by Luwian-speaking peoples. The city is also referenced in a decree by Telepinu dated approximately 1550 BCE. Following the fall of the Hittite Empire, the city became known as Tuwana and served as the capital of one of the independent Neo-Hittite kingdoms that emerged in this area. The city's fertile surroundings and the strategic Cilician Gates contributed significantly to Tyana's rapid growth. These factors enabled control over the connection between Asia Minor and the Middle East, making nearby settlements frequently compete for dominance over this vital corridor through the Taurus Mountains. Throughout its history, Tyana was known by various names. During the Hellenistic era, it was called Thoana, and briefly Eusebeia at the Taurus in honor of Ariarates IV Eusebes, who ruled from 220 to 163 BCE. Eventually, the city became known simply as Tyana. In the first century A.D., Tyana was the second-largest city in the Roman province of Cappadocia, whose capital was Mazaka, later renamed Caesarea. Tyana gained particular fame through one of its natives, known for his philosophical teachings and healing skills. Claiming to be a son of God, he has often been compared by biographers to Jesus Christ. This figure is known as Apollonius of Tyana. Apollonius gained renown among Roman rulers by foretelling that Vespasian would ascend to the throne. He was remembered as a celebrated miracle-worker, philosopher, and teacher, and many modern scholars have drawn parallels between his life and that of Jesus Christ as depicted in the Gospels. As paganism waned in the Roman Empire, pagan defenders elevated Apollonius as a legendary figure. In 271 AD, the forces of Septimia Zenobia invaded Asia Minor and advanced to Ancyra (present-day Ankara). The Roman army, led by Emperor Aurelian, successfully launched a counterattack. During this campaign, Tyana sided with Queen Zenobia but was spared destruction during the Roman assault, reportedly due to a miraculous intervention. According to tradition, Apollonius of Tyana petitioned the Emperor to protect the city. Another credible account suggests that Aurelian spared Tyana because of the revered sanctuary dedicated to Apollonius located there. The Christian church in Tyana boasts a long history. The earliest known bishop, Eutychus, participated in the Council of Nicaea in 325. The last metropolitan bishop was appointed in 1359, shortly before the Ottoman Empire conquered the Byzantine Empire. Archaeological excavations have uncovered the remains of a Byzantine church in Tyana. The city suffered multiple destructions during the Arab invasions of the 8th and 9th centuries. Subsequently, it came under the control of the Seljuk Turks, and later the Ottoman Empire in the 14th century. The Roman aqueduct stands as the most significant historical landmark in Tyana. It extends nearly 1.5 km eastward from the town center, reaching its highest point right in the middle of the city. Moving away from Kemerhisar toward the eastern fields of Tyana, this impressive feat of engineering gradually descends until it vanishes beneath the ground. Several archaeological sites can be found within the heart of Tyana, highlighted by discoveries near the start of the aqueduct. Among these are a grand fountain (known as a nymphaeum) and a basilica-style church. Visitors are free to stroll along the aqueduct itself, but access to the excavation areas is restricted. Nearby, remnants of Roman baths lie adjacent to a local primary school, though these are not open to the public. The remarkable Roman pool, located in Bahçeli town, is believed to date back to around 200 AD. Constructed from marble, it measures 23m x 66m x 2.5m, making it one of the largest pools from that era. This natural spring pool supplied water to ancient Tyana via aqueducts. Though periodic restorations have been carried out, much of the original structure remains intact. While it once served as the city's water source, today it is primarily a popular weekend spot when the swimming season opens. For any questions or more information about Tyana Ancient City & Roman Pool, please feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] or simply send us a message on Whatsapp, and we will reply promptly.