THE HISTORICAL ROADS OF SIVAS: THE FOOTSTEPSOF THE MERCHANT, PRIEST and COMMANDER (Episode 1)

Abstract Sivas, which is located on the junction of the roads connecting Anatolia on the east-west and north-south directions, is equipped with the roads of different periods with commercial, military and religious importance by means of the long history and its location. These road networks were used by the Assyrian merchants, Hittites, Persians and Romans in the ancient periods by keeping their economic and military importance. This road line which was widened in time with the addition of new roads was also preferred in the Byzantine, Seljukian and Ottoman eras after the Roman era. Today, most of the modern roads and railways follow these routes. In this study, the commercial, religious and military roads passing through Sivas province and neighboring regions between the Colonial period and the HellenisticRoman periods were addressed.

Entrance Most of its lands are in the Central Anatolia Region, Upper Kızılırmak Sivas province, which is located in its basin, covers Anatolia east-west, north-south. It has a position that connects them in both directions (Map 1). Findings obtained through archaeological excavations and surveys Evaluation of the Paleolithic period in many areas in Sivas region. It has been understood that the continuity of settlement has been experienced from the beginning to the present day. Prehistoric and historical settlements in the region and their The determination of road networks was carried out mostly by A. Tuba Ökse. with the evaluation of the findings obtained as a result of the surface surveys. has taken place. Middle Bronze Age, where writing was not yet used in Anatolia It is the most important factor in the interpretation of the relations between the settlements dated before Ceramics constitute the important cultural remains. ceramic paste structure, shaping and cooking techniques, when examined, used the needs of the societies of the period, the technological level they reached, different relations of societies with each other, social and ethnic differences and these the boundaries of the region where the societies live can be understood. Pottery people who produce it sometimes use different colored clay on the surfaces of the vessels. They covered it with mud and primed it and fixed it with mechanical methods. they polished. Thus, different containers emerged in various regions. out. On the surface of old settlements, cultures foreign to the region The presence of the material can be presented as evidence of the commercial relationship.