Syrian Antioch

Syrian Antioch

There were many cities bearing the name Antioch, in antiquity. The name derived from the rulers of the Seleucid Empire, which formed after Alexander's conquests were divided among his 'generals', following his untimely death. 

Syrian Antioch was founded by Seleucus 1 Nicator in 300BCE and functioned as the capital city of the Seleucid Empire from 240BCE. It is also known as Antioch on the Orontes, after the river that flowed through and around the city. It became the capital of the Roman province of Syrai in 63BCE.

It is one of two cities named Antioch mentioned in the bible, the other being Antioch of Pisdia (or Pisidian Antioch, Acts 13:13ff). Interestingly, for a time, Tarsus was known as Antioch on the Cydnus, again for the river flowing through the city.

Biblical References

Acts 6:5

One of the seven chosen to oversee food distribution in the early Jerusalem church was "Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism". Without any qualifier, this would naturally refer to Syrian Antioch.

Acts 11:19-27

This relatively short passage, which makes multiple references to Antioch, reveals, in a somewhat understated way, the growing significance of Syrian Antioch as an early centre of Christianity. 

• 19 - One location, among a number of others, where believers were scattered following the outbreak of persecution.

• 20 - The earliest reference to the gospel being shared with non-Jews.

• 22-26a - A focus of deliberate support from Jerusalem and the first report of Paul's (Saul's) ministry as a nascent leader in the church.

• 26b - The place where believers were first called Christians.

Visiting the Site

I visited Syrian Antioch in June 2012. Immediately after the fourth officer tour in Greece and Turkey I flew to Antakya to begin a whirlwind visit around the sites of the First Missionary Journey. The story of that journey is told here.

 Click here for a Google Earth view of Syrian Antioch. 

Because I had very limited time, and I also wanted to visit Seleucia Pieria, my ambitions were limited to seeing the Cave Church of St Peter and the Archaeological Museum.  

The so-called Grotto of St Peter is traditionally identified as a location associated with the  earliest Christian community. However, this is certianly not confirmed and may doubt the connection. The façade is dated from the crusader period.

A short walk to the left of the grotto is a massive example of ancient rock art, the Charonion.  Its origins and meaning are disputed.

From there I made my way to the bus terminal to catch a ride to Seleucia Pieria. Visiting the Archaeological Museum, later in the afternoon was well worthwhile. It has a magnificent collection of Roman mosaics.

Above left: The Charonion.  (5m high.)

Above right: Friendly merchants on the walk from the Grotto of St Peter to the bus terminus.  (Coming.)

Antakya suffered a devastating earthquake in 2024. Google Maps streetview suggests that the facade of the Grotto of St Peter is still intact. The Museum was damaged but the artefacts contained within were largely undamaged.

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