# Koloneia

> Byzantine city

**Wikidata**: [Q117831271](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q117831271)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/koloneia

## Summary
Koloneia was a significant city within the Byzantine Empire, historically situated in the region of Anatolia. It served as the capital of its own administrative district and underwent several territorial reorganizations between the 8th and 9th centuries before being replaced by the modern settlement of Şebinkarahisar.

## Key Facts
*   **Entity Classification:** Koloneia is classified as a city, defined as a large human settlement.
*   **Geographic Coordinates:** The site is located at latitude 40.284008 and longitude 38.4264922.
*   **Modern Successor:** The ancient city was replaced by the modern location of Şebinkarahisar.
*   **Alternative Names:** The entity is also known as "Koloneia on the Lycos" and simply "Koloneia."
*   **Administrative Status:** It functioned as the capital of the district named Koloneia.
*   **Territorial Timeline (Anatolic Theme):** From 700 to 820, the city was located within the Anatolic Theme.
*   **Territorial Timeline (Chaldia):** From 820 to 860, the city was located within the region of Chaldia.
*   **Territorial Timeline (Independent):** From 860 onwards, the city was located within its own administrative unit of Koloneia.
*   **Source Reference:** The capital status is referenced in source Q1247426, page 1138.

## FAQs
**What historical regions governed Koloneia over time?**
The city's administrative affiliation shifted three times during the Byzantine period. It began in the Anatolic Theme from 700 to 820, moved to Chaldia from 820 to 860, and finally became the center of its own district, Koloneia, starting in 860.

**Where is the ancient city located today?**
The physical site of Koloneia corresponds to the modern settlement of Şebinkarahisar. Its precise geographic location is marked by the coordinates 40.284008° N, 38.4264922° E.

**What other names is this city known by?**
Beyond its primary name, historical records identify the settlement as "Koloneia on the Lycos." This alternative designation highlights its specific geographic context relative to the Lycos river.

## Why It Matters
Koloneia represents a critical node in the administrative and military geography of the Byzantine Empire, illustrating the fluid nature of provincial boundaries in Anatolia. Its evolution from a subordinate location within the Anatolic Theme to an independent capital demonstrates the empire's strategic reorganization of the region during the 9th century. Understanding Koloneia provides insight into how Byzantine governance adapted to local conditions, eventually leading to the formation of distinct themes like Chaldia and the specific district of Koloneia. The site's continuity, now represented by Şebinkarahisar, underscores the enduring settlement patterns in this part of Turkey.

## Notable For
*   **Administrative Ascension:** The city is notable for its elevation from a location within the Anatolic Theme to becoming the capital of its own distinct district.
*   **Regional Transition:** It serves as a historical marker for the shift of power and administration from the Anatolic Theme to Chaldia in the early 9th century.
*   **Geographic Precision:** The entity is distinguished by its exact coordinate mapping, allowing for precise archaeological and historical correlation with the modern landscape.
*   **Lycos Association:** It is uniquely identified by the specific alias "Koloneia on the Lycos," linking it to the river system of the region.

## Body

### Administrative History and Territorial Shifts
Koloneia's history is defined by a series of distinct administrative phases that reflect broader Byzantine imperial strategies. Initially, between the years 700 and 820, the settlement was situated within the Anatolic Theme. This period marked its integration into one of the empire's major military and civil districts. A significant reorganization occurred in 820, when the city's jurisdiction shifted to the region of Chaldia, a status it maintained until 860. Following this era, the city achieved a higher level of autonomy, becoming the capital of its own administrative unit, also named Koloneia, from 860 onward. These transitions highlight the dynamic nature of Byzantine provincial governance in Anatolia.

### Geographic and Modern Context
The physical location of the ancient city is precisely recorded at latitude 40.284008 and longitude 38.4264922. This geographic data anchors the historical entity to a specific point on the modern map. In contemporary terms, the ancient settlement has been replaced by the town of Şebinkarahisar. This continuity ensures that the historical legacy of Koloneia remains embedded in the modern landscape of the region. The site is also frequently referred to by the descriptive alias "Koloneia on the Lycos," which situates it within the context of the local river system.

### Classification and Identity
As a "city," Koloneia falls under the broad class of large human settlements. This classification aligns it with other major urban centers of the Byzantine era. The entity is recognized in knowledge bases with a sitelink count of 252, indicating a substantial network of related references and connections. Its identity is multifaceted, encompassing its role as a capital, its geographic location, and its various historical names. The specific reference to its capital status is documented in source Q1247426 on page 1138, providing academic verification for its administrative prominence.

## References

1. Oxford Dictionary of Byzantium