Soli Pompeiopolis Ancient City
Soli Pompeiopolis is an ancient city located in the eastern Mediterranean, in today’s Mezitli district of Mersin. This name conceals both a brilliant sun and an adventurous history; because the word "Soli" in ancient languages meant "Sun". Let us journey together back thousands of years to uncover these mysterious events!
How Was This City Founded?
The story of Soli goes back very far, nearly 3,000 years. Initially, it was a vibrant port city where ships brought silk, spices, and other intriguing goods from distant regions. However, at one point, chaos ensued and pirates took control of the city.
Later, the famous Roman commander Pompeius arrived to restore order. He rebuilt the city and named it Pompeiopolis, meaning "City of Pompeius", after himself.
What Was in the City?
Soli Pompeiopolis was such a captivating place in its time that its structures still astonish visitors today.
Soli Pompeipolis Ancient City (Kültür Portalı)
Colonnaded Street
The most impressive feature of the city was the Colonnaded Street, lined on both sides by massive marble columns. It is said that there were once 200 columns here. Today, only 33 of them remain standing, radiating the power of those ancient times. Some columns once bore statues and busts of important figures of the era, making this street essentially an open-air exhibition.
The Grand Ancient Harbor
Soli was one of the largest harbors of the Eastern Mediterranean in its time. Its massive stone blocks were joined together with iron clamps to stand firm against the waves. Today, the remains of this ancient harbor can still be seen beneath the sea.
The Monumental Tomb of Aratus
In this city, not only warriors lived, but also scientists who studied the heavens. The renowned astronomer and poet Aratus was born here and created a map of the stars. Recent excavations have uncovered his monumental tomb.
What Does Soli Look Like Today?
Today, the site of Soli stands like an island of history amid modern developments. Experts are working to transform it into a "Archaeopark", so that children and families can walk among the columns, explore the remains of ancient baths, and experience a day in the past.
Soli Pompeopolis Ancient City(Anadolu Ajansı)
A Journey Through Time
Approximately 2,100 years ago, when the Roman commander Pompeius arrived in this city, he ended the era of piracy in the Mediterranean and brought a new order to the city.
