Amasya in ancient times

Study area, Amasya, was established between the high mountain ranges, in the middle of the valley where the ancient Iris River flows by forming folds, and on the shore of this river. The passages formed by the beforementioned river flowing in deep valleys have also determined the routes of trade caravans that will last for thousands of years in Amasya. The geographical features of Amasya, on the one hand, have enabled it to have an important geographical position, on the other hand, it provides the connection between the Black Sea and the Central and Eastern Anatolia Regions. For this reason, many settlements have been established here since ancient times, and the Iris River has been of great importance for the survival of the civilizations here. Research topic covers the historical period of the city of Amasya from the Prehistoric period to 395 AD. In this study, besides the data obtained as a result of archaeological excavations and surface surveys, written sources were used. The period in which the earliest traces of settlement have been found in Amasya so far is the Chalcolithic Age. Hatti, Hittites, Phrygians, Scythians, Cimmerians, Medes, Persians, Kingdom of Pontus, Roman and Byzantine State have established sovereignty since the 2nd millennium respectively in Amasya and the city has managed to preserve its importance to the present day. The purpose of this study is to contribute to the studies to be carried out in and around Amasya and the studies to be carried out in the future. Key Words: Amasya, Iris River, Mound, Prehistoric Age, Pontos, Rome