Samosata

Ancient city in southeast Turkey, situated on the right bank of a major crossing-point on the Euphrates, 64 km/40 mi northwest of Urfa. It was formerly a strategic frontier post and caravan trading station. Modern Samsat covers only 5% of the old city area.

History The settlement was probably founded by the Hittites. In the 3rd century BC, it was capital of the kingdom of Commagene under the Seleucids, and in the first century AD it became the capital of a Roman province. The city was the birthplace of the Greek satirist Lucian, and Paul of Samosata, bishop of Antioch from 260 AD.