Soli Pompeiopolis Ancient City

Soli Pompeiopolis Ancient City is one of the most important archaeological sites in Mersin, located in the modern district of Mezitli close to the Mediterranean coast. Once an important harbour city of ancient Cilicia, the settlement reflects centuries of Greek, Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine history. Known in antiquity as Soli, the city experienced an important period of prosperity under the Seleucids. In the 1st century BC, after a period of decline, the Roman commander Pompey reorganised the region and settled groups of former pirates in the city. Following this development, Soli became known as Pompeiopolis, meaning the “City of Pompey.” During the Roman period, Pompeiopolis regained its importance as a commercial and maritime centre. Emperor Hadrian visited the region in the 2nd century AD and supported improvements to the city’s harbour, demonstrating the continued importance of Soli within the Roman province of Cilicia. The most recognisable feature of the archaeological site is its impressive Colonnaded Street. Once forming a monumental route through the city towards the harbour, the street was lined with Corinthian columns. Today, dozens of columns remain standing, some preserving decorative capitals and traces of brackets that once supported statues or busts of important Roman figures. The remains of the Ancient Harbour can also still be observed near the coastline. Large stone breakwaters once protected ships arriving at the city and connected Pompeiopolis with maritime trade routes across the eastern Mediterranean. Soli Pompeiopolis is particularly significant because visible remains of its ancient harbour have survived into the present day. Archaeological research has also revealed traces of earlier settlement at Soli Mound, together with evidence of buildings and urban structures from different periods. Although many ancient monuments have disappeared over time, the surviving remains demonstrate the scale and historical importance of the former city. Together, the Colonnaded Street, ancient harbour and archaeological remains make Soli Pompeiopolis one of the most significant historical sites in Mersin. Its location within the modern city creates a striking connection between contemporary Mediterranean life and the ancient civilisation that once flourished along the Cilician coast.