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Archaeological Research Project

Antiochia Ad Cragum

Summer 2024

Antiocia History

Historically, Antiochia with its harbor possibly served as one of the havens for the Cilician pirates who operated from these shores and preyed upon shipping and coastal communities of the eastern Mediterranean during the first half of the first century B.C. Pompey the Great ended the pirate scourge in 67 B.C. with a naval victory at nearby Korakesion (Alanya). The emperor Gaius ceded control of Rough Cilicia to a client-king of Rome, Antiochos IV of Commagene, for a brief period in A.D. 38; he was restored to power in 41 under Claudius. He ruled continuously until A.D. 72, during which period he founded the city and named it after himself. After his deposition by Vespasian in 72, the city, along with the rest of Rough Cilicia, fell under direct Roman rule as part of the enlarged Province of Cilicia.
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The remains of Antiochia ad Cragum are located within the confines of the modern Turkish village of Güney, located approximately 12 kilometers SW of the town of Gazipaşa in the district of Antalya on the south coast. The site is extensive, encompassing an area of approximately three hectares. There still stand substantial remains of baths, a market, a colonnaded street with gateway, a large early Christian basilica, monumental tombs, and a temple, along with several unidentified structures. Antiochia is mentioned by several ancient sources as an important Roman commercial center and during the Byzantine era the city was a seat of a Christian bishopric.

The Antiochia ad Cragum Archaeological Research Project (ACARP) has been conducting excavations at the site since 2004. We have operated a field school since 2011 and so far over 150 students and volunteers have participated in the field school and helped to uncover the ancient city. Students from all over the United States, Canada, and Australia have joined the team. In addition, we are partnered with Turkish universities and archaeology students from Atatürk University participate annually.

learn about how you can join the project!