About Comana Pontica
Near Tokat, Comana Pontica was a sacred city famed as a temple-state dedicated to the goddess Ma. It controlled routes through the Yeşilırmak valley. Excavations around Hamamtepe trace its transformation into a Roman and Byzantine settlement.
History
Under the kingdom of Pontus, Comana Pontica was a religious centre with extensive lands and a large temple workforce. Its high priest ranked among the kingdom's most powerful figures. Its civic status changed under Rome, but the cult of Ma and regional market retained importance. Churches and production areas appeared as the settlement became Christian in late antiquity. Its fortified character became more prominent in Byzantine times. Excavations document public, religious and economic buildings at Hamamtepe.
Highlights and principal structures
- Hamamtepe settlement
- Ma temple research area
- Byzantine church
- Production workshops
- Necropolis
- Fortifications
Historical period
Hellenistic–Roman–Byzantine