Located on the southern coast of the Black Sea, at the intersection of the ancient regions of Bithynia, Pontus, and Paphlagonia, Tios/Tieion was a significant coastal settlement in Antiquity. Likely founded by Ionian colonists in the 7th century BCE, the city became a regional center thanks to its maritime trade and strategic location. Today situated in the Filyos town of Zonguldak province, the ancient city remained under the dominion of various civilizations throughout history.

History

The foundation of Tios, like many other Greek colonies in the Black Sea, is dated to the 7th century BCE. Although it is generally believed to have been founded by Milesian or Megarian colonists, precise information regarding its exact founders is limited. The city initially maintained its existence as an independent polis but gradually fell under the influence of major regional powers. During the period of the Achaemenid Persian Empire's hegemony over Anatolia, Tios also became a city dependent on Persian satrapies. Following the conquests of Alexander the Great, Tios entered the Hellenistic Period, changing hands between regional powers such as the Kingdom of Bithynia and the Kingdom of Pontus. Its importance as a strategic port city particularly increased during the reign of Mithridates VI Eupator of Pontus. With the Roman Empire's dominance over the region, Tios became part of Rome's provinces of Asia or Bithynia et Pontus, experiencing relatively stable development during the Pax Romana. During this period, the city maintained its commercial activities and was culturally open to Roman interactions.

Geographic Location

Tios/Tieion was situated on the southern coast of the Black Sea, in the area corresponding to the modern town of Filyos, part of Zonguldak province. Geographically, it was located at a strategic transitional point between the eastern borders of ancient Bithynia, the western borders of Paphlagonia, and the western extensions of Pontus. The city's location was supported by a natural harbor and the fertile alluvial soils provided by the mouth of the Filyos River (known as Billaeus or Billaios in antiquity). This position made Tios both an important stop on maritime trade routes and a gateway connecting the interior regions with the coastline. Among neighboring ancient cities were important port cities such as Amastris (Amasra) to the east and Heraclea Pontica (Ereğli) to the west. Its interactions with these cities determined Tios's place within the regional trade network. The city's geographical structure offered favorable conditions for both defense and economic activities.

Significance in Antiquity

Tios/Tieion held particular economic and strategic significance in antiquity due to its geographical location. Its presence on Black Sea trade routes enabled the city to become a center for the trade of marine products, timber, and agricultural goods from its hinterland. The rich fish population of the Black Sea, in particular, may have played a significant role in the city's economy. Furthermore, the water resources and fertile lands provided by the Filyos River supported agricultural production, contributing to the city's self-sufficiency. Politically, its location at the intersection of powerful kingdoms such as Bithynia, Pontus, and Paphlagonia occasionally made Tios a strategic target in the conflicts between these powers. The city periodically came under the dominion of different kingdoms, serving as a buffer zone or an outpost in regional power dynamics. From a religious perspective, as a Greek colony, the existence of temples and cults dedicated to classical Greek deities is probable; however, specific archaeological or written evidence on this matter is limited.

Coinage

Tios is an ancient mint represented in the NumisTR database by 5 coin varieties. The recorded coins were struck in bronze. Authorities named on the coins include C. Papirius Carbo. You can browse the city's coins in the Bithynia coins list.

Archaeological Remains

Visible archaeological remains belonging to the ancient city of Tios/Tieion are limited today. The establishment of the modern Filyos settlement over the ancient city and natural erosion over time have caused a large portion of the remains to be buried or destroyed. However, as a result of surface surveys and limited excavations, finds such as remnants of city walls, necropolis areas, architectural fragments, and pottery shards have been encountered. Especially in areas near the mouth of the Filyos River, foundation remains from the Roman and Byzantine periods can be observed. Clues regarding the city's harbor structure are also being sought underwater or along the coastline. Extensive archaeological excavations in the future may reveal more information about Tios's ancient architecture and way of life.

Today

The ancient city of Tios/Tieion is currently located beneath the modern town of Filyos, part of Zonguldak province in Turkey. Filyos is a developing settlement on the Black Sea coast, hosting a modern port and industrial facilities. Access to the ancient city is provided by road; it is easily accessible from Zonguldak city center or neighboring provinces. Archaeological studies are occasionally carried out in the region, and discovered artifacts are exhibited in nearby museums. Filyos's natural beauty and ancient past make the region a potential tourism destination for both local and international visitors.