Tuwana, also known as Tyana, was an ancient city located in central Anatolia (modern-day Turkey). The city’s history dates back to ancient times, and it played a role in various periods, including during the Hittite, Phrygian, and Roman eras. Here are some key points about Tuwana (Tyana):

1. Hittite Period:
   • During the Hittite Empire (circa 1600–1178 BCE), Tuwana was part of the Hittite territories in Anatolia. The Hittites were an ancient Anatolian people who established a powerful empire centered in Hattusa (modern Boğazkale, Turkey).
2. Phrygian Period:
   • Following the decline of the Hittite Empire, Tuwana became part of the territories controlled by the Phrygians, another ancient Anatolian people. The Phrygians established a kingdom in central Anatolia, and their capital, Gordion, was located not far from Tuwana.
3. Persian Period:
   • In the 6th century BCE, the Persian Empire, led by Cyrus the Great, conquered Anatolia. Tuwana came under Persian rule and became part of the Persian satrapy (province) of Phrygia.
4. Hellenistic and Roman Periods:
   • With the conquests of Alexander the Great in the 4th century BCE, Tuwana came under Hellenistic influence. In the Hellenistic period, the city became part of the Seleucid Empire and later the Kingdom of Pergamon.
   • During the Roman Republic and Empire, Tuwana continued to be an important city. It was strategically located on major trade routes and gained significance as a Roman military outpost.
5. Cilician Gates:
   • Tuwana was situated near the Cilician Gates, a pass through the Taurus Mountains. The Cilician Gates were of strategic importance for military and trade routes, and Tuwana controlled access through this pass.
6. Strabo’s Description:
   • The ancient geographer Strabo, writing in the 1st century BCE, provided a description of Tuwana in his work “Geography.” He mentioned its location near the Cilician Gates and its significance in controlling the mountain pass.
7. Monuments and Temples:
   • Tuwana was known for its monuments and temples. The city had structures dedicated to various deities, reflecting the religious practices of different periods.
8. Later History:
   • The city continued to exist into the Byzantine period. It faced various challenges, including invasions by different groups, and underwent changes over time. The region experienced shifts in control between Byzantine and Arab forces.
9. Archaeological Excavations:
   • Archaeological excavations have been conducted at the site of Tuwana, revealing remains of structures from different historical periods. These excavations contribute to our understanding of the city’s history and culture.
10. Modern Location:
    • The ancient site of Tuwana, identified with the modern town of Kemerhisar in Turkey, is situated in the Niğde Province. The ruins of the city bear witness to its long history and the cultural influences it experienced over the centuries.

Tuwana’s strategic location and historical significance make it an interesting archaeological site that sheds light on the complex history of Anatolia from the Hittite period through the Roman era.