Anazarbus, also known as Justinopolis (Ancient Greek: Ἀναζαρβός / Ίουστινούπολις, medieval Ain Zarba; modern Anavarza; Arabic: عَيْنُ زَرْبَة), was an ancient Cilician city. Under the late Roman Empire, it was the capital of Cilicia Secunda. Roman emperor Justinian I rebuilt the city in 527 after a strong earthquake hit it. It was destroyed in 1374 by the forces of the Mamluk Empire, after their conquest of Cilician Armenia.
The triumphal arch of Anazarbus was later converted to the city's South Gate.
General view of the site
Anazarbus West Gate
Digital reconstruction of the main gate of the city
Cilicia was a geographical region in southern Anatolia, extending inland from the northeastern coasts of the Mediterranean Sea. Cilicia has a population ranging over six million, concentrated mostly at the Cilicia plain. The region includes the provinces of Mersin, Adana, Osmaniye and Hatay.
Probable captives from Cilicia, on the Nasiriyah stele of Naram-Sin, circa 2200 BC.
Fugitive slave treaty between Idrimi of Alalakh (now Tell Atchana) and Pillia of Kizzuwatna (now Cilicia), (c. 1480 BC) Ref:131447 .
The Persian Pharnabazus, pictured, as Satrap of Cilicia (379–374 BC). British Museum.
A Roman-period triumphal arch at Anazarbus, later converted into the city's south gate
