Settlements > Darieium

Darieium

Darieium, also known as Dareiou Kome, was an ancient settlement located in the region of Cilicia in southeastern Anatolia, which is now part of modern-day Turkey. The settlement was named after the Persian king Darius (Dareios in Greek) and was associated with the administrative and military presence of the Achaemenid Persian Empire in the area. Here are some key points about Darieium:

Geographic Location

1. Cilicia: Darieium was situated in the region of Cilicia, which was known for its strategic location along the Mediterranean coast and its fertile plains and valleys.
2. Strategic Importance: The settlement was strategically important due to its location, which allowed for control over trade routes and military movements between Anatolia, the Levant, and Mesopotamia.

Historical Context

1. Achaemenid Persian Empire: Darieium was established during the period of the Achaemenid Persian Empire, which ruled over a vast territory stretching from the Aegean Sea to the Indus Valley.
2. Naming: The settlement was likely named in honor of King Darius I (r. 522-486 BCE), one of the most prominent rulers of the Achaemenid Empire, known for his administrative reforms and extensive building projects.

Role and Significance

1. Administrative Center: Darieium likely served as an administrative center within the Persian satrapy (province) of Cilicia, helping to manage local governance, taxation, and infrastructure.
2. Military Garrison: Given its strategic location, Darieium may have housed a Persian military garrison to secure the region and maintain control over important trade routes.

Archaeological Evidence

1. Limited Excavations: Detailed archaeological information about Darieium is limited, and the exact location of the settlement remains uncertain. Further excavations and research may provide more insights into the layout and structure of the settlement.
2. Artifacts: Artifacts such as inscriptions, pottery, and coins found in the broader region of Cilicia provide evidence of Persian influence and presence in the area.

Legacy

1. Cultural Influence: The presence of Persian administrative and military centers like Darieium in Cilicia contributed to the cultural and political landscape of the region, blending Persian and local Anatolian elements.
2. Historical Records: References to Darieium in ancient historical texts highlight its significance during the Achaemenid period, serving as a reminder of the extensive reach and influence of the Persian Empire.

Conclusion

Darieium, also known as Dareiou Kome, was an important settlement in the region of Cilicia during the Achaemenid Persian Empire. Named after King Darius, the settlement played a key role in the administration and military control of the region. Although detailed archaeological evidence is limited, the historical significance of Darieium underscores the influence of the Persian Empire in Anatolia and the broader Mediterranean world. Further research and excavations may provide additional insights into the history and legacy of this ancient settlement.

Sources

Smith, William, ed. (1854–1857). Dictionary of Greek and Roman Geography. London: John Murray.

Steph. B. s.v. Δαρίειον.

Plin. H.N., v. 27.