Regional Asia Armenia
Often overlooked in ancient history, the strategic city Tarsus, located in southern Asia Minor, may have been one of the first great “university towns.” Often associated with its “favorite son” Paul, the city was associated with a fair crop of ancient world notables. According the legend, Adam’s son, Seth, died in the region when it was a fourth millennium BC settlement. Fertile lands, a good port, and proximity to the roads connecting Asia Minor with Syria and Mesopotamia enabled Tarsus to prosper while escaping the fate of other great ancient cities during periods of competing conquests.
From the Assyrians to the Romans
Although it is agreed that Tarsus, as a city, was first established by the Assyrians in the 9th century BC, scholars conflict over which king was responsible. King Assurbanipal is given credit for founding the city in 820 BC, yet other ancient sources cite Sennacherib as the founder.
Built on the Cydnus River ten miles from the coast in the region of Cilicia, Tarsus eventually became part of the Persian Empire and furnished both tribute and fleets for Persian military adventures. Six miles from the city, the river became an expansive lake, giving the inhabitants a safe and accessible port. During the Persian period, Greek influence was already evident and would grow after Alexander defeated Darius III.