Seleucia

 

Seleucia plain with Mt. Cassius

Seleucus I Nicator of Syria founded Seleucia Pieria in 301 B.C. as a port for his capital in Antioch.  The city became one of the “Syrian Tetrapolis,” designed to promote Hellenistic culture in Syria.  It was then an important political, military, and economic game piece in the Ptolemaic-Seleucid wars.  In 63 B.C. Rome made Seleucia a free city and then in 70 A.D. made it the base for the imperial fleet.

 

 

The Harbor

Seleucia was the seaport from which Paul and Barnabas left with John Mark for their first missionary journey (ca. 49 A.D., see Acts 13:4).  Part of the ancient (manmade) harbor can still be seen, although it has since silted up.  This harbor caused continual problems and required frequent maintenance.

  

 

 

Titus' Tunnel

A stream which led into the harbor was so threatening during the flood season that the Romans built a water channel north of the city to divert it.  Legionaries, sailors, and Judean prisoners provided the work for the project.  Titus’ tunnel, as it is called today, cuts through the solid rock of the mountain in two places.

 

Vespasian Inscription

The tunnel is dated based on two inscriptions.  The inscription shown here was dedicated to Vespasian and Titus, so construction of the tunnel probably began in 70 A.D.  However it was not finished until the second century.

 

Related Websites

Seleucia (Christian Travel Study Program)  Highlights major historical and biblical events that took place at the site.

Seleucia (Unbound Bible)  Takes a brief look at the city and references the Bible's mention of the site.

Seleucia (WebBible Encyclopedia, ChristianAnswers.Net)  Interests the reader with historically and biblically descriptive facts, including internal links to related topics.

Paul's First Missionary Journey, Seleucia (Personal Page, Dr. Youssef Nosshy Coptic Site)  A colorful map illustrates Seleucia's location in the context of Paul's first missionary journey.  The accompanying text gives interesting historical and biblical background for the site.

THE HELLENISTIC ERA: SELEUCIA PIERIA (Personal Page)  A lengthy article discussing the Seleucia's historical periods and other topics associated with the city.

Seleucia (Wikipedia)  A brief encyclopedia entry, listed as Seleucia in Syria.  Includes internal links to related subjects.