Pirate activities in the Cilician region during Antiquity (4th–1st century BCE)

This thesis aims to examine the piracy activities in the region of Cilicia from the 4th to the 1st century BCE. Due to its geographical location, Cilicia—with its rugged terrain and numerous natural harbors along the coast—provided an ideal environment for pirate operations. The study explores the socio-political, economic, and strategic dimensions of piracy in the region. Following the death of Alexander the Great, the resulting power vacuum and the rivalry among Hellenistic kings led to the fragmentation of central authority over the Mediterranean, allowing pirates to gain strength. Pirates not only threatened maritime trade routes but also collaborated with certain Hellenistic rulers to expand their political influence. This thesis investigates the cities, strategic bases, fleets, and organizational structures utilized by the pirates, drawing upon both archaeological and literary sources. Moreover, the impact of Cilician piracy on the Roman Republic and early Empire is analyzed within the framework of Rome's Eastern Mediterranean policies. The suppression of piracy by Rome reshaped the political, economic, and military structures of the region. In conclusion, this thesis demonstrates that piracy in Cilicia was not merely an illicit activity but a significant phenomenon that influenced regional power dynamics and offers critical insights into the political and economic history of the Hellenistic and Roman periods.