Seleucia

Seleucia was the port city of Syrian Antioch on the Orontes River, located approximately 16 miles west of Antioch near the Mediterranean coast. Founded by Seleucus I Nicator (312–280 B.C.) and named in his honor, it served as the main harbor for Antioch, which was then the third-largest city in the Roman Empire. Paul and Barnabas departed from Seleucia at the outset of the first missionary journey (Acts 13:4), sailing to Cyprus. Seleucia is again mentioned as their return port at the end of the same journey (Acts 14:26). The site has been identified with the modern Turkish town of Çevlik (ancient Seleucia Pieria).