What is the history of the ancient city of Comana, which was built around a volcano in central Turkey?

The ancient city of Comana is located in central Turkey, near the city of Tokat. The city was built around the base of a volcano, which was believed to be the home of the goddess Ma, the mother of the gods.

The city was founded in the 3rd century BC by the Pontic Kingdom, which was a Hellenistic state in the northern Anatolian region. The city was later ruled by the Roman Empire, and it became an important center for the worship of Ma, who was identified with the Roman goddess Bellona.

During the Byzantine period, the city was an important Christian center, and it was the seat of a bishopric. The city was later ruled by the Seljuk Turks, and it was an important stop on the trade routes between Anatolia and Persia.

The ruins of Comana include the remains of a Roman theater, a Byzantine basilica, and the tomb of the poet Aratus. The city was also known for its hot springs, which were believed to have healing properties.

Today, the site of Comana is a popular tourist destination, and it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Comana was an ancient city in central Turkey, built around a volcano. It was a major religious center for the cult of Ma, a mother goddess. The city was also known for its orgiastic rites.

Comana was founded in the 6th century BC by the Persian king Cyrus the Great. It was originally called Comana Pontica, to distinguish it from another city of the same name in Cappadocia. Comana Pontica was located on a fertile plain near the Euphrates River. The city was surrounded by mountains and had a hot climate.

Comana was an important religious center for the cult of Ma. Ma was a mother goddess who was worshipped throughout the ancient world. She was associated with fertility, war, and the underworld. The cult of Ma was particularly popular in Phrygia, a region of central Anatolia.

The temple of Ma in Comana was one of the most important temples in the ancient world. It was a large and impressive building that was decorated with statues and reliefs. The temple was also home to a sacred spring that was said to have healing powers.

The cult of Ma was known for its orgiastic rites. These rites were held in the temple of Ma and involved the sacrifice of animals and the consumption of wine. The rites were often accompanied by wild dancing and singing.

Comana was a prosperous city for many centuries. However, it declined in importance after the arrival of Christianity in the 4th century AD. The temple of Ma was destroyed by the Byzantine emperor Justinian in the 6th century AD. Comana was abandoned in the 7th century AD.

The ruins of Comana can still be seen today. The temple of Ma is a popular tourist destination. The ruins of the city are also home to a number of other ancient buildings, including a theater, a basilica, and a bathhouse.