Morimene
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Morimene (Ancient Greek: Μοριμενή) was an ancient district and prefecture (strategia) in the northwestern part of Cappadocia, situated in modern-day Turkey. Located along the banks of the Halys River, the region was historically noted for its significant main city and religious center at Venasa (modern Avanos).[1][2]
The district was situated on the flanks of the Halys River (modern Kızılırmak). Ancient geographers characterized Morimene by its lack of arboriculture and its suitability for pastoral activities.[3][1] Strabo, in his Geography, notes that while the district of Bagadania to the south produced "hardly any fruit-bearing trees," this characteristic was shared by the "greater part of the rest of the country," specifically highlighting Morimene as a region where such trees were absent.[3] The region was particularly famous for its abundance of wild donkeys or onagers. Strabo records that Morimene, along with Garsauritis and Lycaonia, was a primary grazing ground for these animals.[3][1] Pliny the Elder similarly identifies Morimene as a territory bordering Galatia and notes its reputation for the breeding of wild asses.[4][1]
While historically a core part of the Cappadocian kingdom, its administrative status shifted during the Roman period. Some Roman sources considered the territory to be part of Galatia.[4] The second-century geographer Ptolemy omits Morimene entirely when enumerating Cappadocia's cities and subregions in his Geography.[5][6]