Tarsus

1
Tarsus

• Capital of Cilicia.
• Strategically located between Mediterranean Sea
  and the Cilician Gates.
• Important commercial and intellectual center.

2
TarsusCleopatras Gate

• One of few surviving artifacts of Tarsus ancient
  glory.
• Commemorated visit of Queen Cleopatra to Marc
  Antony in 38 BC.
• Tarsus was an important center of high culture
  and Stoic philosophy.
• Greek geographer Strabo says Tarsus rivaled
  Athens in the pursuit of philosophy and learning.

3
Cilician Gates
Strategic passage through Taurus Mountains to
interior of Asia Minor
4
Taurus Mountains

• Rugged range separating Cilicia from interior of
  Asia Minor.
• Passage at Cilician Gates put Tarsus on a
  strategic route.