Edessa (ancient Greek: Έδεσσα, Armenian: Ուռհա, Եդեսիա Urha, Edessia) is an ancient city, now known as Sanliurfa (Turkish: Şanlıurfa), currently located in Turkey. Historically, it served as the capital of Osroene and was a significant center of early Christianity. Originally, the city was called Adma (also Admi, Admi, Admun), a name found in Assyrian cuneiform sources from the 7th century BC.
Historical Foundations
In 304 BC, Seleucus I Nicator established a new city on this site, naming it Edessa after the city in the Macedonian region of Emathia, the historical capital of the ancient Macedonian kingdom. The local Syrian name for the city was Ruhu (ancient Greek: Ορρα). Edessa was a major center of civilization, dedicated to the goddess Atergatis, evidenced by two sacred ponds that still exist today, where fish sacred to the goddess were kept.
Names and Cultural Significance
Some researchers suggest the name Edessa derives from the Syriac Haditha, meaning “New City.” During the Diadochi period, the city was also known as Kallirrhoe or Orrhoe, named after the sacred springs dedicated to Atergatis and later to Abraham. This name might be a Hellenization of the Syrian Urrhoi.
The Kingdom of Edessa
In 137 (or 132) BC, Aryu (132-127 BC) founded the Kingdom of Edessa, also known as Orroene or Osroene. Its rulers bore the honorary name Abgar (“mighty”) and often had hostile relations with the Romans due to the Parthian wars. A legend states that Abgar V Ukkama, of Armenian origin (4 BC – 7, 13-50), corresponded with Jesus Christ.
Integration into Greater Armenia
Osroene was part of Greater Armenia in the 1st century BC, with its territory belonging to Cadmus, the grandson of Hayk. In 260, the city was besieged by the Persians under Shapur I, who defeated Emperor Valerian before the city’s gates. After the Roman Empire’s collapse, Edessa became part of the Eastern Roman Empire.
Christian Significance
During the Eastern Roman period, Edessa’s importance in Christian history grew, with over 300 monasteries. Ephraim the Syrian, a Father of the Church, lived here, and his followers’ school was located in the city. Edessa played a crucial role during the Arian, Monophysite, and Nestorian controversies (see Barsis of Edessa, Eulogius of Edessa). Under Emperor Justin I (reigned 518-527), the city was destroyed by an earthquake but was soon rebuilt and renamed Justinopolis.
Later History
Sassanid Khosrow Anushirvan unsuccessfully besieged Edessa. In 1042, Edessa returned to the Byzantine Empire, and in 1077, it was annexed to the Armenian state of Philaret Varazhnuni. In 1083, Varazhnuni’s governor Smbat Vkhkatsi declared himself the independent ruler of Edessa but was killed after six months, and the city returned to Varazhnuni’s rule.
Three years later, the Seljuks conquered Edessa again, but after Sultan Tutush’s death in 1095, his Armenian governor in Edessa, Toros, became an independent prince. In the 11th-12th centuries, the Armenian chronicler Matthew of Edessa (Matteos Urhaetsi) lived and worked in the city.
Note on Adma
The name Adma traces back to the legendary grandson of Hayk, Cadmus. The city was named after him and became a center of knowledge and wisdom, as Cadmus ruled the lord’s dwelling or temple of knowledge built by his grandfather on the land of his ancestors after migrating from Babylon.
This article highlights Edessa’s rich history, from its ancient origins to its significance in early Christianity and its role in Armenian heritage. Feel free to share this knowledge to promote accurate information about this fascinating city!
Artatsolum
Based on the article by Prof. Vahanyan G., Ph.D. in Art. Vahanyan V.
