Antioch (Antakya)
Unless
otherwise indicated, pictures on this page © Marco Prins and Jona
Lendering. Photos can be downloaded and used for non-commercial purposes,
but you have to acknowledge Livius.
A satellite photo can be found here.
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Antioch (Antakya)Unless
otherwise indicated, pictures on this page © Marco Prins and Jona
Lendering. Photos can be downloaded and used for non-commercial purposes,
but you have to acknowledge Livius.
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Antioch was founded as Antigoneia by one of the successors of Alexander the Great, Antigonus Monophthalmus. When he was defeated by Seleucus Nicator, the city was called after Seleucus' father Antiochus. It became the capital of the Seleucid empire and was one of the most important cities in the ancient world. This pictures shows Antioch and Mount Sipylus. | |
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The town could only become a large city because food supplies could easily be brought into town: the river Orontes was navigable. Downstream was the port Seleucia; upstream, one could go to Syria and Mesopotamia. Antioch was the starting point of the trade route to central Asia and beyond, the Silk road. | |
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The amphitheater, once situated in the northern part of the city, on a mosaic (Museum of Antioch). | |
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The Aristotelian philosophical institute on a mosaic (Museum of Antioch). | |
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A rock relief believed to be Charon. It shows a veiled person, gazing over the city. It is probably cut during the reign of Antiochus IV Epiphanes (175-164), who may be represented to the left. | |
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The cave where Peter is said to have preached Christianity. The façade is modern. | |
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Interior of Peter's cave. | |
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And a mosaic showing the judgment of Paris, now in the Louvre. The Antiochene mosaic makers were famous. When their city was captured by the Sasanian king Shapur in 253 (or 260), he arrested the craftsmen and ordered them to make the decoration of his palace in Bishapur. | |
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Another mosaic, made in the second century. It is less refined and this baby's hips are ridiculous; still, this Heracles, strangling two snakes, is an impressive work of art. | |
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Bust of an Antiochene priestess, now in the Römisch-Germanisches Zentralmuseum in Mainz. | |
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This bronze statuette, now in the Louvre, is a copy of a famous sculpture from Antioch: it represents the Tyche (Fate) of Antioch. She is shown with a wall-like crown that has antecedents in the art of ancient Assyria, and is seated on a rock. The figure at her feet is the river Orontes. | |
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In Late Antiquity, Antioch was still one of the most important cities
in the Mediterranean. On the Peutinger
map, it is shown as a queen sitting on her throne. To the left, one
can see the word "Seleucia"; at her feet, the river Orontes.
A satellite photo can be found here. |
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