Tyana
Tyana is an ancient city located in southwestern Cappadocia, eastern Asia Minor, notable for its strategic position on the route across the Taurus mountains into Syria. Historically significant, Tyana dates back to the second millennium BC, originally known as Dana, and was recognized by the Greek historian Xenophon. It served as a mint for local dynasties, including that of Ariarathes and later King Ariaramnes during the early third century BC. The city was later renamed Eusebeia in honor of King Ariarathes V Eusebes Philopator. Tyana is also renowned as the birthplace of Apollonius of Tyana, a notable Neopythagorean philosopher and miracle worker. The city became a Roman colony under Emperor Caracalla in the early 3rd century AD and played a role in key historical events, including Aurelian's military campaigns. Tyana's enduring legacy is exemplified by its well-preserved Roman aqueduct, which still stands as a testament to its historical significance and architectural achievements.
Tyana
later Eusebeia (near Kemerhisar)
A city in southwestern Cappadocia (eastern Asia Minor), situated on a fortified hill rising from one of the few fertile Cappadocian plains, on the main route across the Taurus (Toros) mountains into Syria. Already an important center in the second millennium BC, it was noted by Xenophon (c 400) as a prosperous town, under the name of Dana. With the single exception of Mazaca (the later Caesarea, now Kayseri), Tyana was the only city in Cappadocia. It served as the mint for a loyal dynast called Ariarathes (early third century) and then for King Ariaramnes of Cappadocia (c 250–225). Later it assumed the name of Eusebeia, after King Ariarathes V Eusebes Philopator (163–130).
The place was famous as the birthplace of the Neopythagorean sage and wonder-worker Apollonius of Tyana, at about the beginning of the Christian era. Under Caracalla (AD 211–17) it gained the status of a Roman colony, but continued to coin with Greek inscriptions, assuming the titles Antoniniana and Aurelia. In 272 it was the scene of Aurelian's first victory over the forces of the Palmyrene usurper queen, Zenobia. Through the treachery of a certain Heraclammon, Aurelian was able to occupy a height dominating the town, which then surrendered, thus throwing open the Taurus passes for his further advance. His refusal to let his troops plunder Tyana (although he had promised them this privilege) created an excellent local impression, which prompted the Greek cities ahead of his line of march to submit. In 276 Aurelian's successor Tacitus, after repelling the Goths, died at the city—apparently from natural causes—after which his brother or half-brother and praetorian prefect Florian declared himself emperor, but his own men deserted him three months later, in favor of Probus. Under a provincial reorganization by the eastern emperor Valens (371–72), Tyana became the capital of the province of Cappadocia Secunda.
Its principal surviving monument is a well-preserved aqueduct bringing water from a spring (Köşk Pınarı) adjoining a Neolithic settlement.