AKSARAY

There is no definite information pertaining to Cappadocia in the period prior to the reign of the Persian Empire. The people of Cappadocia were only able to rule their own country during the era of the Persian King Damatez and they declared their independence during the reign of Ariathes (in BC 323). The Romans captured Cappadocia the first time from Selevkuslar, one of the commanders of Alexander the Great. In BC 129, the kings of Cappadocia had good relations with Rome.

Their capital city was Mazaka (Kayseri), for which the time of establishment is unknown. For a short period of time their capital city was Tyana (Niðde – Kemerhisar). They named this region as “Özebya” after their King. Aksaray and the surrounding area were ruled by Tyana (Kemerhisar). During the ruling of Marcus Antonius, I. Archalaus became the King of Cappadocia. He was the last king of Cappadocia and he died in AD 17. During the ruling of the Cappadocia Kingdom Aksaray and its surrounding area was named as “Garsaura”. After Archalaus became the King the importance of Aksaray and its vicinity increased. Archalaus rebuilt the city and named it Archalais. The city was called either “Archelais” or “Colonia Archealais” until it was taken over by the Turks. Tiber, by means of a resolution obtained from the senate turned the Kingdom into a province and reduced the taxes collected by half. Romans were also making continuous changes in their religious institutions. During the time that those changes were taking place, Aksaray was included in the Cappadocia of Taurus Mountains with the capital in Tyana.