Turkey - Vespasianus Titus Tunnel

Vespasianus Titus Tunnel built during the Roman period is located within the boundaries of the Ancient City of Seleuceia Pieria (Figure1). The antique city Seleuceia Pieria is situated near the actual village Cevlik, 35 km to the southwest of Antakya (the historical city Antioch on the Orontes), at the foot of Nur mountains in eastern Mediterranean coast in Turkey. Seleuceia Pieria was founded towards the end of the 4.century B.C. by Seleukos Nikator I, one of the generals of Alexander the Great. The city was reigned by the Ptolemeans during the second half of the 3.century B.C., and flourished later during the Roman period, beginning in the second half of the 1.century A.D., and became one of the most important ports of the Eastern Mediterranean Region. The upper city is separated from the lower one by steep rocky topography. The lower city, surrounded by fortification walls totaling 12 km, has been developed around the harbour of 16 hectares area.