In this article, we will explore the topic of Zaliche and its relevance today. From its origins to its impact on modern society, Zaliche has been a topic of debate and study for experts from various disciplines. Through detailed analysis, we will examine the different facets of Zaliche, from its influence on popular culture to its role in politics and economics. With a critical and objective view, this article will seek to provide a complete vision of Zaliche and its importance in the contemporary world.
"Zaliche" is the form given in the indices of the editions, produced by Peter Wesseling, and by B.G. Niebuhr It is the form given also in Anthon's Classical Dictionary On the other hand, the contributor (Leonhard Schmitz) of the entry on the town in William Smith's Dictionary of Greek and Roman Geography gives it the name "Zaliches". The Annuaire historique of the Société de l'histoire de France treats "Zaliches" instead as the genitive case of "Zaliche'. It appears that the city was at some time also called Leontopolis.
History
The manuscripts of the Synecdemus list among the seven cities of Helenopontus one called Σάλτον Ζαλίχην, which Peter Wesseling believes should be corrected to Σάλτος Ζαλίχης and suggests it indicates that the city was surrounded by forests (Latin: saltus), making the name equivalent to "Forest of Zaliche".
At the Second Council of Nicaea in 787, a priest named Andronicus represented the Bishop John "Ζαλίχων", i.e., of Zaliche (Ζαλίχη, neuter plural). The priest is also called a priest Λεοντοπόλεως ἤτοι Ζαλίχου, an expression that treats "Leontopolis" as another name for the same town. Both Wesseling and the contributor to Smith's Geography also believe that this is the Leontopolis spoken of in Novella 28 as one of the cities of Helenopontus.
Bishopric
The town was the seat of an ancient bishopric and remains today a vacant titular see.
Leontopolis is first mentioned as a suffragan bishopric of Amaseia in the 6th century and, although declining, survived until the thirteenth. It is mentioned in the Notitia III and sent delegates to Second and Third Council of Constantinople. At times this city was merged with the bishopric centered on Isauropolis. but known bishops include:
^Le Quien, Michel (1740). Oriens Christianus, in quatuor Patriarchatus digestus: quo exhibentur ecclesiæ, patriarchæ, cæterique præsules totius Orientis (3 vols.) (in Latin). Paris: Ex Typographia Regia. cols. 539–542. OCLC1015521111.
^ abW. M. Ramsay, The Historical Geography of Asia Minor(Cambridge University Press, 24 Jun. 2010) p 362