Zile

Zile

Zile, situated 62 km from the center of Tokat, is a town historically influenced by a variety of civilizations, including the Hittites, Phrygians, Persians, Pontus Kingdom, Romans, and Byzantines. Today, the area preserves numerous artifacts spanning different eras, featuring legacies of the Hittites, Seljuks, Phrygians, Persians, Romans, Ilkhanids, Danishmends, and Ottoman Empire.

Zile

In 49 BC, a civil conflict broke out between Julius Caesar and Pompey, which diverted Roman attention from Pharnaces II of Pontus, who aimed to avenge his father’s defeat. Pharnaces launched an attack on Zela, but his forces were decisively defeated by Julius Caesar in a fierce battle in 47 BC. This triumph cemented Caesar’s authority, and he famously communicated to the Roman Senate with the phrase "Veni Vidi Vici," meaning "I came, I saw, I conquered." A marble pillar engraved with this phrase was erected inside the city castle, where it remains visible today.

The Zile Castle, believed to date back to Roman times, sits atop an acropolis constructed on a mound, and is a prominent landmark visible from all parts of the town center. The castle grounds contain numerous ruins that visitors can explore.

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