How Do You Spell ISAURIA?

Pronunciation: [ɪsˈɔːɹi͡ə] (IPA)

Isauria is a region in southern Asia Minor. The spelling of this word can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The initial sound is represented by the letter 'i', which is pronounced as [ɪ]. The next two letters 's' and 'a' are pronounced as [s] and [ɔː], respectively. The letter 'u' is pronounced as [jʊ] and the final letters 'r-i-a' are pronounced as [rɪə]. Therefore, the pronunciation of Isauria is [ɪˈsɔːrjə].

ISAURIA Meaning and Definition

1. Isauria refers to a historical region situated in modern-day southern Turkey. This region had significance in ancient times and is primarily known for being home to the Isaurians, an indigenous people who inhabited the area during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Isauria was characterized by its rugged and mountainous terrain, making it a challenging region to conquer or control.

   The Isaurians were notorious for their fierce independence and resistance against various dominating powers throughout antiquity. They were highly skilled warriors and often engaged in banditry and piracy, posing a constant threat to nearby cities and major trade routes. Consequently, Isauria became synonymous with lawlessness and defiance.

   Politically, Isauria was incorporated into the Roman Empire and became a province known as Isauria and Cilicia, encompassing parts of modern-day Cilicia and Lycia. The region was known for its strategic importance, and its mountainous topography made it an ideal stronghold for rebel forces.

   Furthermore, culturally, the Isaurians had their distinct customs and traditions, preserving their indigenous identity despite being influenced by neighboring civilizations. They were known for their skilled horsemanship, ironworking, and unique agricultural practices adapted to the challenging landscape.

   Isauria, with its rich history and unique characteristics, has left a lasting impact on the cultural heritage of the region and serves as an important historical reference to understand the complex dynamics of the eastern Mediterranean in ancient times.

Etymology of ISAURIA

The word "Isauria" originates from the region in ancient Anatolia called Isauria, which is present-day southern Turkey. The etymology of the name "Isauria" is not entirely clear, but there are a few possible theories.

One theory suggests that Isauria derived its name from the native inhabitants of the region, the Isaurians. It is speculated that the term "Isaurian" may have been derived from the Luwian word "sāvira", meaning "mountain-dweller" or "from the mountains". This theory implies that the Isaurians were known for residing in the mountainous areas of Isauria.

Another theory suggests that the name "Isauria" is related to the Greek word "isos", meaning "equal".