What is…
Seleucia

This is the seaport of ancient Antioch, near the mouth of the Orontes River.

Paul and his companions sailed from this port on their first missionary journey (Acts 13:4).

This city was built by Seleucus Nicator, the “king of Syria.” It is said of him that “few princes have ever lived with so great a passion for the building of cities. He is reputed to have built in all 9 Seleucias, 16 Antiochs, and 6 Laodiceas.”

Seleucia became a city of great importance, and was made a “free city” by the Roman emperor Pompey the Great (Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus).

The city later devolved into a small village called el-Kalusi.

More information

• Antioch
• Laodicea
• About Ancient Syria in the Bible
• Who is Paul? and what is his significance?
• Apostle Paul and Archaeology—What does archaeology tell us about Paul’s travels through Cyprus (Acts 13:4-12)?
• What are the port cities in biblical times?
• Answers about ships in the Bible, and their ports
• What are the CITIES OF THE BIBLE? Names, descriptions, locations and types