TR
EN
The Construction Date of the Misis Bridge
Abstract
The Cilicia Region, which stretches between Korakesion and Alexandria Kat'Isson, is bordered by the Taurus Mountains in the north and the Mediterranean Sea in the south. Defined as Cilicia by the sources, the region serves as a natural bridge between Eastern and Western societies, and a significant route that provides communication between different cultures also passes through the region. Crossing the Gülek Pass, the route reaches Misis via Tarsus, then heads towards Mesopo-tamia. The nine-arch Misis Bridge is situated in Mopsu(h)estia (= Misis), which represents one of the important stops of this route. Even though the original construction of the bridge is associated with the Roman period, when and under which emperor it was built is controversial. Some resear¬chers relate the construction to the Valerian period, whereas others attribute it to the period of Constantius II.
The aim of the study is to put forward a new view on the construction date of the Misis bridge. The ancient sources concerning the route, on which the bridge is located, reveal the significance of the road here. Additionally, it is also known that from the beginning of the Imperial period, Rome adopted a sensitive attitude in intervening in the turmoil in the east. It is understood that this route is of particular importance for Rome in relation to both the movements of the legions and the logistical support. Accordingly, it is seen that both views suggested as the construction date of the bridge are disputable and the suggested dates are too late for the bridge. Therefore, considering the early historical records, archaeological findings and the historical process, a new proposal has been developed regarding the chronological problems of the bridge.
The aim of the study is to put forward a new view on the construction date of the Misis bridge. The ancient sources concerning the route, on which the bridge is located, reveal the significance of the road here. Additionally, it is also known that from the beginning of the Imperial period, Rome adopted a sensitive attitude in intervening in the turmoil in the east. It is understood that this route is of particular importance for Rome in relation to both the movements of the legions and the logistical support. Accordingly, it is seen that both views suggested as the construction date of the bridge are disputable and the suggested dates are too late for the bridge. Therefore, considering the early historical records, archaeological findings and the historical process, a new proposal has been developed regarding the chronological problems of the bridge.
Keywords
Supporting Institution
Mersin University (BAP) Scientific Research Projects Unit and Mediterranean Civilizations Research Institute (AKMED)
Project Number
2018-1-TP3-2847 and KU AKMED 2018/T.1040
Thanks
This article was produced from the doctoral thesis titled 'Bridges of the Cilicia Region' and was funded by Mersin University (BAP) Scientific Research Projects Unit with Project Number 2018-1-TP3-2847 and Mediterranean Civilizations Research Institute (AKMED) with Project Number KU AKMED 2018/T.1040. Gratitude to Mersin University BAP Unit and Mediterranean Civilizations Research Institute for their contributions.
References
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
-
Journal Section
Research Article
Publication Date
May 15, 2022
Submission Date
September 8, 2021
Acceptance Date
November 23, 2021
Published in Issue
Year 2022 Volume: 23
APA
Göçmen, İ., & Durukan, M. (2022). The Construction Date of the Misis Bridge. Gephyra, 23, 87-99. https://doi.org/10.37095/gephyra.993053
AMA
1.Göçmen İ, Durukan M. The Construction Date of the Misis Bridge. GEPHYRA. 2022;23:87-99. doi:10.37095/gephyra.993053
Chicago
Göçmen, İlkay, and Murat Durukan. 2022. “The Construction Date of the Misis Bridge”. Gephyra 23 (May): 87-99. https://doi.org/10.37095/gephyra.993053.
EndNote
Göçmen İ, Durukan M (May 1, 2022) The Construction Date of the Misis Bridge. Gephyra 23 87–99.
IEEE
[1]İ. Göçmen and M. Durukan, “The Construction Date of the Misis Bridge”, GEPHYRA, vol. 23, pp. 87–99, May 2022, doi: 10.37095/gephyra.993053.
ISNAD
Göçmen, İlkay - Durukan, Murat. “The Construction Date of the Misis Bridge”. Gephyra 23 (May 1, 2022): 87-99. https://doi.org/10.37095/gephyra.993053.
JAMA
1.Göçmen İ, Durukan M. The Construction Date of the Misis Bridge. GEPHYRA. 2022;23:87–99.
MLA
Göçmen, İlkay, and Murat Durukan. “The Construction Date of the Misis Bridge”. Gephyra, vol. 23, May 2022, pp. 87-99, doi:10.37095/gephyra.993053.
Vancouver
1.İlkay Göçmen, Murat Durukan. The Construction Date of the Misis Bridge. GEPHYRA. 2022 May 1;23:87-99. doi:10.37095/gephyra.993053
Cited By
Augustus Period Bridges of Cilicia Pedias (Plain Cilicia)
International Journal of Ancient History
https://doi.org/10.33469/oannes.1474873