Cilicia
LocationsGeographical Setting
Cilicia was an ancient geographical region in southeastern Asia Minor, characterized by its distinct division between the rugged Taurus Mountains to the west and the fertile, alluvial plains of the Cilician Gates to the east.
What is the meaning of Cilicia in the Bible?
Cilicia was a significant province in the southeastern corner of Asia Minor, corresponding roughly to the modern Turkish provinces of Adana and Mersin. The region is naturally divided into two parts: Cilicia Trachea, a rugged, mountainous area in the west, and Cilicia Pedias, a broad, fertile, and hot alluvial plain in the east.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Cilicia's geography clarifies the logistical challenges faced by travelers and armies moving between the Mediterranean coast and the interior of Asia Minor, providing context for the journeys of Paul and other biblical figures who traversed this strategic corridor.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Cilicia in this passage?
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Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.