Excavations at the ancient city of Sebastapolis in Sulusaray district of northern Türkiye’s Tokat province are bringing its historical fabric to light.
The exact date of its foundation is unknown and much of Sebastapolis lies beneath the district's modern settlement. During the reign of Roman Emperor Trajan, from A.D. 98 to 117, the city was separated from the provinces of Pontus Galatius and Polemoniacus and incorporated into the province of Cappadocia.
Considered one of the five largest cities in the Black Sea region and a wealthy center of trade and settlement with the authority to mint its own coins, Sebastapolis gradually lost its former prominence as major wars, destruction and natural disasters struck in later periods, while changing trade and transit routes further diminished its importance.
Excavations at the ancient city were launched by the Tokat Museum Directorate in 1987 and continued until 1990, later taking the form of rescue excavations. The work was then suspended for 20 years.
Excavations resumed in 2010 and efforts to expropriate buildings above the ancient city are ongoing. In the district, home to about 3,500 people, residents continue to live alongside the remains of its ancient past.
