Phrygia in the Byzantine Period

Ancient Phrygia, which is located within the borders of Eskişehir (Dorylaion), Kütahya (Kotyaion) and Afyon (Akronium) provinces today, is important due to its geological formation and archaeological monuments from the Phrygian period to the Byzantine period. Two different styles have been determined for the structures among the cave churches. One of them presents the plan form known in Byzantine architecture; the other has a different plan form consisting of some special analytical structures. Christianity emerged with Montanism, founded by Montanus. As a Christian sect, Montanism lived for a long time in the Phrygian region with unusual ideas and beliefs against Orthodoxy. This situation in the region was due to the traditional belief culture coming from paganism that was strong in these periods, especially the Cult of Cybele, the great nature goddess of ancient Phrygia in Anatolia. This sect draws attention with its attribution of prophetic status to two women (Priscilla and Maximilla) and also its protests against Orthodox rules. These features are a reflection of the culture dedicated to paganism before Christianity. Montanism brought alternatives in religious structures. Therefore, it is possible to suggest that they may have been built in different architectural forms than the churches known in the Byzantine Period. There are huge cave blocks consisting of building complexes in the region. It is debatable whether these are monastery complexes or not. However, in addition to churches, all of these complexes also have interconnected rooms. It is possible to suggest that all these structures served for daily life as well as religious functions. It is aimed to draw attention to the Byzantine period cultural heritage of the Phrygian region, which contains the richest examples after the Cappadocia region of Anatolia.