The Lycaonia-Isauria Border Region in Ancient Age

The border region between Lycaonia and Isauria is located on the roads connecting the Konya Plain and the Taurus. Due to its location, the border region is of great importance in terms of geopolitics. It is understood that the region provided a connection between the two regions both politically and socio-economic and culturally. It is known that there are a lot of professions from the inscriptions found as a result of the researches carried out in the region. Of these professions, the soldiers and veterans who served in different legions have a lot more. This shows that the region has an important place in military terms. In addition, the grapes on the tomb stones in the region, grapevine branches, vineyard knife (falx vinitoria), anchors (dolabra) and animal husbandry, such as spindles and dirt, depictions, here proves the importance of farming for the community. In fact, due to the presence of cereals obtained from agricultural activities, the region is particularly important in the 4th century AD. has become a clear target of the rebels in the events that occurred around. In addition, these descriptions give detailed information about the socio-cultural structure in the region. As a matter of fact, Greek and Latin names are found in the inscriptions besides the names of the native people. This indicates the existence of a cosmopolitan society. In addition to his religious studies, Conon of Bidana, who is an important figure for the region, directed them to agricultural activities in order to bring Isaurian thugs to society. The existence of the estates pointing to agriculture and animal husbandry is also documented by the inscriptions found in the region. All this archaeological and epigraphic evidence clearly demonstrates that this area, which forms the boundary of Lycaonia-Isauria, has an important potential in terms of its political and military importance, as well as in terms of agriculture and livestock. In addition, the abundance of the above mentioned inscriptions shows that the literate population in the region constitutes an important part of the society.In this study, in the light of the information given by ancient sources and the inscriptions and archaeological data found in the region, the political, military, socio-economic and cultural situation of the geography that formed the border of the Lycaonia-Isauria Regions in ancient times were discussed.