How a Megarian outpost became a Roman capital and industrial powerhouse
In short: Before it was the industrial engine of modern Turkey, İzmit was a strategic jewel of antiquity. From its origins as the Greek city of Astacus to its era as the Roman Empire's eastern capital, this Anatolian hub has survived empires, conquerors, and devastating natural disasters.
The city's history is a layering of civilizations. Originally founded in the 8th century BCE as a Megarian settlement named Astacus (or Olbia), it underwent a radical transformation around 264 BCE. After the destruction of the old city, Nicomedes I of Bithynia rebuilt it as Nicomedia. This new foundation allowed the city to flourish as the capital of the Bithynia kingdom and later served as a frequent residence for Roman emperors.
During the Tetrarchy established by Diocletian, Nicomedia reached a peak of political importance, serving as the eastern capital of the Roman Empire between 286 and 324 CE. It held this status until 330 CE, when Constantine the Great moved the imperial seat to Constantinople. The city’s strategic importance continued through the Byzantine era until it fell to the Ottomans in 1326. Even the Carthaginian general Hannibal is linked to the region, having committed suicide in nearby Libyssa between 183 and 181 BCE.
In the modern era, İzmit has transitioned from a political center to an industrial titan. Situated on the main road and rail lines between Istanbul and Ankara, it has become a cornerstone of Turkish industry. It serves as the nation's paper industry center, meeting roughly half of Turkey's requirements, and hosts a large oil refinery alongside petrochemical, textile, and tire manufacturing. However, its geography brings risk; on August 17, 1999, a devastating earthquake struck near the city, claiming over 17,000 lives and causing extensive destruction across the region.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Izmit | Turkey, Map, Earthquake, & Facts | Britannica
- Also: İzmit
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