Epiphania, Cilicia, Archaeological site in Erzin, Turkey.
Epiphania is an ancient archaeological site near Erzin located along the Gulf of Iskenderun. The ruins contain remains of walls, a temple, an acropolis, and numerous houses built from basalt stone.
The settlement was originally called Oeniandos and received its new name Epiphania in the second century BC to honor the Syrian King Antiochus IV Epiphanes. In 66 BC, Roman general Pompey established the site as a settlement for Mediterranean pirates who had surrendered during his military campaign.
The site preserves buildings from Greek, Roman, and Byzantine times, showing how different peoples shaped the settlement across the centuries. Visitors can see traces of religious spaces, homes, and public areas that reflect the various communities who lived here.
The site is accessible from the town of Erzin and sits along a historical route that once connected the ancient cities of Missis and Antioch. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection, as the terrain is open and exposed.
The site is notable for hosting a settlement of reformed Mediterranean pirates who surrendered to Pompey's forces. This unusual community made the place a rare refuge for people who had once roamed the sea.
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