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The shining star of the ancient Roman Empire: How did Ankara become an important trade hub?
Ankara, the capital of Turkey, is located in the center of Anatolia. It has a city population of 5.1 million and a population of 5.8 million in Ankara Province. It is the second largest city in Turkey. Due to its unique geographical location, Ankara has historically been a meeting point of trade and culture. This article will explore the ancient history of Ankara and how it became a trading hub.
Ankara was historically known as "Angila", which means "anchor", and its geographical location made it a crossroads of trade routes. The site dates back to the Bronze Age Hattian civilization and has been ruled by many different peoples, including the Hittites, Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans.
History of Ankara
Ankara's history dates back to the Bronze Age Hattian civilization, and the area was later occupied by the Hittites and Phoenicians. In 278 BC, Ankara became the center of the Gallic tribe. Over time, Ankara developed into the capital of a Roman province, which laid the foundation for its trade activities.
In 25 BC, Emperor Augustus elevated Ankara to a city-state, beginning its history as an important administrative and commercial center. Ankara's prosperity was influenced by repeated road construction and urban expansion, making it a strategic location on the eastern border of the Roman Empire.
The intersection of trade routes
Ankara's geographical location makes it a meeting point for several important trade routes. Historically, Ankara was actually a major transportation hub, connecting the Black Sea, the Mediterranean Sea and inland areas, which provided a convenient passage for merchants and promoted the exchange of goods and economic prosperity.
Especially during the Roman period, Ankara developed into a thriving marketplace where merchants came from all regions to bring goods from Asia to Europe and vice versa. Ankara during this period had a more solid administrative structure and legal system than other trading towns, which attracted more merchants and investors.
Cultural Confluence
Ankara was not only a center of trade, but also a meeting point of cultures and religions. Throughout its long history, the city has witnessed the exchange and integration of various cultures. Christianity was introduced to Ankara in the 4th century AD and gradually became one of the main religions in the region. The city hosted many important religious conferences and played an important role in the spread of Christianity.
Documentary records of Ankara show that commercial activities within the city not only promoted economic prosperity but also triggered cultural exchanges. Historically, Ankara has a diverse ethnic and religious population, which makes its cultural life more colorful.
The Development of Modern Ankara
Ankara was officially designated as the capital of Türkiye in 1923 after the decline of the Ottoman Empire. This policy is not only the result of political and military considerations, but also aims to promote economic development in the country's inland areas. With the establishment of government agencies, Ankara gradually became a new commercial, industrial and cultural center.
As the times change, Ankara continues to expand, and improvements in transportation and infrastructure have made Ankara's role in global trade increasingly important. Today, Ankara, in addition to being a political center, is also a hub for industrial, commercial and cultural activities.
ConclusionAnkara's history is a microcosm of the interaction of diverse cultures and trade and economic prosperity. As one of the important cities in ancient Rome, its development not only reflects the political and economic situation at that time, but also heralds infinite possibilities for the future. Today, Ankara's trade and business activities have become an indispensable part of the global economic system. How will it continue to develop in the future and become a new business hub?
