Roman and Byzantine forts survey In the souteastern Black Sea area
Journal Title: Pro Georgia. Journal of Kartvelological Studies - Year 2016, Vol 0, Issue 26
Abstract
During the Rustaveli Foundation Project implementation period (2011-3) Batumi State University team visited eastern part of the Turkish Black Sea coast and surveyed different samples of the architectural constructions of region. In result there some new evidence came to light concerning to Roman and early Byzantine period forts: Among architectural monuments located close to Georgian border Hopa and Arhavi forts are signifi cant. Both of them, most probably, are constructed by locals in the late Classical or early Middle ages and later are used by Byzantines. Concerning to Athenai fort, situated more far to the west, it is arose early Roman Imperial period and was reconstructed in the Byzantine and Ottoman periods. Among forts preserved in the valley of river of Hemşin Dere especially signifi - cant is the fort of Yücehisar. Historical sources are very scarce about this fort. We do not exclude that it corresponds to Longini Fossatum, or Burgus Novus mentioned by Procopius (Buildings 3, 6 24-26). Eastwards of the river Kibledağ Dere (ancient Adineos) the Classical authors name the harbor of Kordilon (Plin. NH 6, 11; Ptol., 5, 6 10; Anon. Periplus 39) which, in our opinion, corresponds to Tordovat. It, in itself, should correspond to Theodoriada of Justinian times. The toponym of Theodoriada is connected to the Tzanian origin commander-in-chief Theodor who became famous after the battles against Persians and Missimians in 553-555 whereas in 556 in the suppression of his compatriots anti-Byzantine rebellion (Agath. 5, 1). Canayer fort overlooks Kalecik, Araklı and Sürmene. According to some authors it corresponds to Hissolimen mentioned by ancient sources. We agree with D. Braund and T.A. Sinclair who identifi ed it as Καινη παρεμβολη of Notitia Dignitatum (or. 38). In our opinion, latter is same as Canea of Tabula Peutengeriana (X, 3) and Kaini Paraolid of “The Martyrdom of Orentius”. Rather, Hissolimen was placed there where now almost totally destroyed Araklı fort is placed. Finally, ruins of Eskipazar fort, situated close to İyi Dere, is corresponds to Καλòς παρεμβολη mentioned by the 5th century AD anonymous author (Periplus 39). It is interesting that Arrian nothing says concerning to fort, but refers only Καλòς ποταμός (Periplus 7).
Authors and Affiliations
Shota Mamuladze, Emzar Kakhidze
Keywords
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