Restitutori Bithynia et Paphlagonia: Chasing Hadrian in the North Anatolian Fault Zone: An overview

Abstract

This contribution examines relations between the emperor Hadrian's activities in Bithynia and western Paphlagonia and the earthquakes originating from the North Anatolian Fault. In the context of settlement archaeology, the focus is on the Bithynian-Paphlagonian line to the east of the region, starting from Nicomedia, Nicaea and its immediate surroundings, towards Heraclea, Tios/Tieium and Amastris. It seeks to demonstrated that the emperor Hadrian's, who can be defined as probably the most important name for Anatolia in the 2nd century AD, interests in the region, his excursions, visits, building activities, religious incentives, coinage (economic encouragements), euergetism, agons and Romanisation policies are more related to the earthquake or earthquakes that occurred than has been thought. Unlike the other regions of Anatolia in this period, one of the main reasons for Hadrian's appearance in north-west Anatolia was the intensified abnormal activity of the North Anatolian Fault. © 2024 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.