Satala
Satala, now known as Sadak, is an ancient city located in northeastern Turkey near the headwaters of the Lycus River. Historically significant as a Roman stronghold, it was incorporated into the province of Cappadocia around AD 72 under Emperor Vespasian. The site is strategically positioned, with roads leading in multiple directions, which contributed to its military and administrative importance. Notably, during Trajan's eastern campaigns in 114 AD, Satala served as a gathering point for troops from various regions, reflecting its role in the larger context of Roman military operations. The city evolved from a civilian settlement associated with a legionary camp and was first officially mentioned in the 4th century, although its origins likely trace back to as early as 200 BC. In the later empire, Satala became the capital of Armenia Prima and was the seat of a bishopric, indicating its cultural and religious significance. Today, remnants of its massive walls and an aqueduct hint at its historical grandeur and legacy.
Subject Terms
Satala
(Sadak)
A Roman stronghold on the Sadak Çayı, a tributary of the Lycus (Kelkit)—of which Satala is near the headwaters—within the territory of Orsene in Lesser Armenia (northeastern Turkey), which was incorporated by Vespasian into the province of Cappadocia (AD 72). The fortress of Satala stood on the sloping floor of a low-lying plain, surrounded by lofty hills. During his eastern wars Trajan, in 114, advanced to Satala, where he was joined by troops from Galatia, Paphlagonia and the Danubian area, and was brought gifts by monarchs, including the king of the Heniochi at the eastern end of the Black Sea. Roads from Satala led westward, northward and eastward and Trajan posted a legion there to control the northern sector of the imperial frontier.
A city which grew out of the civilian settlement (canabae) beside the legionary camp is first attested in 372, but probably dates back to before c 200, when it seems to have been granted the status of a colony and apparently possessed extensive territory. During the later empire Satala was the capital of the province of Armenia Prima and the seat of a bishopric. Portions of its massive rectangular walls survive, and traces of an aqueduct.