Uzuncaburc Diokaisareia Ancient City Uzuncaburç, also known as Diocaesarea, is an archaeological site located in the Mersin province of Turkey. It preserves the remains of an ancient city with a rich heritage that dates back to the Hellenistic period. During the Hellenistic era, Uzuncaburç was under the control of the Seleucid Empire, with local monarchs administering the city on the empire’s behalf. The principal settlement of Olba, situated in Ura about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) east of Uzuncaburç, held regional importance. Nevertheless, Uzuncaburç was considered a sacred site by the inhabitants of Olba. In the 4th century AD, Emperor Vespasian elevated Diocaesarea to a status allowing it to mint its own currency. As Christianity expanded, many of the city’s ancient temples were repurposed as churches, signifying a major transformation in the religious identity of the area. Over time, the city’s population declined during the Middle Ages. During the Ottoman Empire, a settlement was established to the east of the ancient ruins by Turkmen communities. This settlement was named Uzunca Burc, meaning "Bastion Tower" in Turkish. Since then, both the ancient city and the new village have shared this name. At the Seleucia Pieria temple site, a ceremonial gate stood on the eastern side, featuring six columns each with a radius of 1 meter and a height of 7 meters. It is believed that small statues might have once rested on consoles attached to these columns before they collapsed. The main entrance to the complex is found at the northwest corner and includes one primary gate flanked by two smaller auxiliary gates. The heart of the archaeological site is dominated by the Zeus Temple, a peripteral temple with 36 columns still standing. This temple is thought to have been commissioned by Seleucus I Nicator, who ruled from 305 to 281 BC. On the western boundary of the site stands the Tyche Temple, which has five columns reaching a height of 20 feet. According to an inscription, the temple was commissioned by Oppius and Kyria. The Roman Theatre, located on the eastern side of the site, was constructed during the reign of emperors Marcus Aurelius (161–180 AD) and Lucius Verus (161–169 AD). Near the northeast corner of the fortified area is the Hellenistic Tower, with a base measuring 16 by 13 meters and a height of 75 feet (23 meters). This tower was commissioned by Teukros, son of Tarkyaris, and is believed to have served as a refuge for families during wartime, large enough to shelter entire households. If you have any questions or would like more information about the Uzuncaburc Diokaisareia Ancient City, please feel free to contact us at [email protected] or simply message us on Whatsapp, and we will respond promptly.