Histria (ancient city)
Ἰστρίη (in Ancient Greek) | |
Alternative name | Istros |
---|---|
Location | Istria, Constanța, Romania |
Region | Dobruja |
Coordinates | 44°32′51″N 28°46′29″E / 44.54750°N 28.77472°E |
Type | fortified city, settlement |
Area | 82 ha |
History | |
Founded | mid-7th century BC |
Abandoned | mid-7th century AD |
Site notes | |
Archaeologists | Ernest Desjardins, Vasile Pârvan, |
Condition | Ruined |
Ownership | Public |
Public access | Yes |
Histria or Istros (
Histriopolis was a
History
Established by
Archaeological evidence suggests that trade with the interior followed the foundation of Histria demonstrated by finds of Attic black-figure pottery, coins, ornamental objects, an Ionian lebes and many fragments of amphoras found in great quantity at Histria, some imported but some local. Local pottery was produced following establishment of the colony and certainly before the mid-6th century. During the archaic and classical periods, when Histria flourished, it was situated near fertile arable land. It served as a port of trade soon after its establishment, with fishing and agriculture as additional sources of income.
The
Around 30 AD, Histria came under
Location
Histria was situated on a peninsula, about 5 kilometres (3 mi) east of the modern
The city
The city had stone paved streets and was protected by strong wall.
Water was supplied by a 12.5 mile (20 km)-long aqueduct.
Archaeology
The ruins of the settlement were first identified in 1868 by French archaeologist
Archeological research in Histria managed to identify and classify several layers on site. The layer
Archaic Greek layers
The ancient Greek city covered around 60
Archaic Greek layer I (650–600 BC)
After the stage of emporium, a polis was founded soon after 650 BC. Temples and dwellings of this time were discovered. By the beginning of the 6th century, Histria was already a prosperous colony.
Archaic Greek layer II (600–550 BC)
During this period a new city wall was built around the city, probably in connection with the frequent raids of the scythians. The Acropolis started to be defended by a wall, discovered by Sc. Lambrino. Another city wall was running around the western Plateau, defending also the port.
Archaic Greek layer III (550–500 BC)
The Archaic age of Histria is finishing with a massive destruction on the occasion, most probably, of an expedition of the Persian general Mardonios (Mardonios (old Persian Marduniya, Persian Mrdunya, Greek Μαρδόνιος (Mardónios), Latin Mardonius; † 479 B. C. during the battle of Plateaea). Another theory says the destruction of the city has taken place, probably in 512 BC, when
It is still unclear if this fact is connected to the Persian expedition led by Darius, to the Scythians followers of the Persian army during the retreat or to the expedition of Mardonios.Human Sacrifice Evidence
In 2021, the article "Of Human Sacrifice and Barbarity: a case study of the Late Archaic Tumulus XVII at Istros" was released. In this article, M. Fowler (2021) presents the evidence found at the Northern Necropolis of the Pontic Greek settlement that supports the claim of human sacrifice being practiced in this area.[7]
Classical Greek layers
During the classical period, there was continuity in the cults of Apollo Ietros; Zeus (Gr. Polieus) and Aphrodita. During the classical period many written sources describe the political organisation of the area. The Odrysian kingdom was involved in fighting with the Scythians ruled by Ariapeithes and Histria was situated between the two kingdoms. Due to that, most probably, Histria town was forced to join the Delian League. In the 5th century BC, these colonies were under the influence of the Delian League, passing in this period from oligarchy to democracy.[8] From an economic point of view it was during this era that the first Histrian coins were minted: a didrachma, oboli and bronze coins.
Classical Greek layer I (500–425 BC)
The town was flourishing in the period of Athens's
Classical Greek layer II (425–350 BC)
The town was dismantled for a second time in the 4th century BC, during the war between the
who destroyed the city walls protecting the Acropolis and the one protecting the whole town.Hellenistic layers
During the Hellenistic period, there was continuity in the cult of Apollo Ietros, Zeus (Gr. Polieus) and Aphrodita. A new temple for a grand deity was built. There is also evidence of the cult of Athena, Poseidon, Helikonios, Taurios, Demetra, Hermes Agoraios, Heracles, Asclepios, Dioscurii and others. A new wall also appears, protecting a 10 ha area. During the Hellenistic period Histria had become an important supplier of grain for Greece.[10] However, the economic power of Histria was represented by trade.[11] In the Hellenistic period, the gymnasium and the theater were erected.
Hellenistic layer I (350–300 BC)
The town was once again destroyed around 339 BC. During the period 313–309 BC, a rebellion of Pontic towns took place.[12] Miletus however awarded Histrians equal political rights, or so-called isopoliteia.
Hellenistic layer II (300–175 BC)
Around 260 BC,
to reinforce the army.Hellenistic layer III (175–100 BC)
Hellenistic layer IV (100–20 BC)
Burebista arrived in Dobruja.
(Gaius Antonius Hybrida)...while governor of Macedonia, had inflicted many injuries upon the subject territory as well as upon that which was in alliance with Rome, and had suffered many disasters in return. 2 For after ravaging the possessions of the Dardanians and their neighbours, he did not dare to await their attack, but pretending to retire with his cavalry for some other purpose, took to flight; in this way the enemy surrounded his infantry and forcibly drove them out of the country, even taking away their plunder from them. 3 When he tried the same tactics on the allies in Moesia, he was defeated near the city of the Istrians by the Bastarnian Scythians who came to their aid; and thereupon he ran away...[14]
The Hellenistic period was ended by
Roman layers
Early Roman layer IA (30–100 AD)
Continuous with the Hellenistic period. A new thermae (Thermae I) was built. This period is considered by historians, thanks to two inscribed artifacts, as the second founding of the city.
Early Roman layer IB (100–170 AD)
In around 170 AD, a part of the town was destroyed.
Early Roman layer IC (170–250 AD)
The town suffered serious destruction from which it never recovered. The main theory is that it was destroyed by an invasion of Goths and Carpi. Another theory presumes that the town was destroyed in an earthquake.
Late Roman layers IIA (after 250 AD)
- Late Roman layer IIB
- Late Roman layer IIIA
- Late Roman layer IIIB
- Late Roman layer IVA
- Late Roman layer IVB
- Late Roman layer VA
- Late Roman layer VB
Bulgarian period (9th and 10th centuries)
The
Gallery
-
Baths
-
Baths
-
Baths
-
Basilica
-
Histrian minted coins
See also
- Capidava
- Civitas Tropaensium
- Halmyris
- List of ancient towns in Scythia Minor
- Peuce Island
- Tropaeum Traiani
References
- ^ Smith, William, ed. (1854–1857). "Istropolis". Dictionary of Greek and Roman Geography. London: John Murray.
- ^ Dictionary of Greek and Roman Geography (1854), Istropolis
- ISBN 978-0-19-997217-3. Retrieved 20 August 2016.
- ^ Dio, Cassius (n.d.). Roman History. pp. 216–217
- ^ The Ister - Official Site.
- ^ Herodotus, Book IV.
- S2CID 233280644.)
{{cite journal}}
: CS1 maint: date and year (link - ^ Aristotle, Politics, (V,6 Archived 2006-09-03 at the Wayback Machine).
- ^ Justin, Epitome of Pompeius Trogus, 9.2
- ^ Demosthenes, Contra Leptinem, 466, 31: the grain supply from the Black Sea is larger than from all other ports.
- ^ Polybios, 4,38,4: With respect to goods for living, the Pontic region supplies cattle and slaves, in large numbers and of a proven quality. With respect to luxury goods, they supply us with honey, wax and salted fish. In exchange they receive from our regions the commodities of oil and all kinds of wines. With grain we trade, when in need they supply us, at other times we supply them.
- ^ Diodorus Siculus, 19.73
- ^ Memnon, History of Heracleia, 13
- ^ Dio Cassius XXXVIII 10.2
External links
- The Histria Archaeological Site
- Histria, dr. Al. Suceveanu, dr. M. Angelescu eds
- Histria's New Look - A 3D Model, dr. M. Angelescu
- History Microregion Sinoe - by Doctor Archaeologist Catalin Dobrinescu
- Tur video Histria - INP 360
- Hellenistic Greek inscriptions of Istros in English translation
- Greek cities on the western coast of the Black Sea, dissertation by S.Andrews, Chapter 4 (PDF)
- Wheel money /wheel coin/, 500-400 BC: ancient city Istros