Tarsus

Tarsus (pop. 146,500), city in central Turkey on the Mediterranean coast. Archeological studies date the city to Neolithic times. The Assyrians built here in the early 8th century B.C. The Romans once took control of Tarsus (67 B.C.). The city claims to be the place of the first meeting of Antony and Cleopatra (41 B.C.) and the birthplace of St. Paul. Cotton and agriculture are products of the modern city and were the foundation of the ancient economy of Tarsus.