Amastris/Sesamos

Amastris/Sesamos, located on the southern coast of the Black Sea in the ancient region of Paphlagonia, is an important port city founded and named after Queen Amastris in the 4th century BCE. Thanks to its strategic location, it emerged as a commercial and cultural center throughout the Hellenistic and Roman periods, reflecting the region's economic power through its rich coinage activities. This ancient settlement, known today as the Amasra district of Bartın province, draws attention with its rich history and archaeological heritage.

History

The history of Amastris begins in the late 4th century BCE, when Queen Amastris, niece of the Persian King Darius III and wife of Lysimachus, one of Alexander the Great's generals, founded a new city by uniting (synoikismos) four smaller settlements in the region (Kromna, Kytoros, Tios, and Sesamos). Initially known as Sesamos, the city took the name Amastris with this unification. Queen Amastris governed the city independently after separating from Lysimachus around 300 BCE, but was murdered by her sons around 284 BCE. Following her death, the city briefly came under the control of Heracleia Pontica, then fell under the dominion of the Kingdom of Pontus in the mid-3rd century BCE. During the reign of Mithridates VI Eupator, Amastris became one of the important ports of the Pontus Kingdom, and with the expansion of the Roman Empire in Anatolia, it came under Roman control in the 1st century BCE. It maintained its prosperity during the Roman Imperial period as part of the province of Paphlagonia, particularly excelling in port activities and trade. The city retained its importance during the Byzantine Empire, and in the Middle Ages, it came under the control of the Genoese and later the Ottomans.

Geographic Location

Amastris is situated on the southern coast of the Black Sea, in the western part of the ancient Paphlagonia region, within the borders of the modern Amasra district of Bartın province. The city holds a strategic position due to its natural harbor. It was built on a tombolo connecting two main bays and an islet named Boztepe to the mainland. This geographical structure provided the city with both a natural defense against attacks from the sea and a safe haven for ships. Its connection with inland regions made it an important transfer point, especially for the transportation of forest products and mineral resources by sea. Neighboring cities include Sinope (Sinop) to the east and Heracleia Pontica (Karadeniz Ereğli) to the west. This location made Amastris an indispensable part of the Black Sea trade network.

Significance in Antiquity

Amastris was an important center in antiquity, both economically and politically. The city's natural harbor propelled it to play a key role in Black Sea trade. Especially during the Hellenistic period, it achieved a high level of prosperity due to its location at the crossroads of trade routes between the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. Forest products (especially timber), agricultural products, and perhaps raw materials obtained from surrounding mines were transported to domestic and foreign markets via the port of Amastris. Politically, from its foundation, it was a regional power under the independent rule of Queen Amastris, later becoming an important administrative and military center of the Pontus Kingdom and then the Roman Empire. During the Roman period, Amastris's position within the Roman provincial organization of Paphlagonia solidified the city's political and economic stability. Religiously, it is believed to have housed temples dedicated to the main gods and goddesses of the Greek pantheon. The goddess figures seen on the city's coins indicate the presence of local cults and belief systems.

Coinage

Amastris operated as an active mint from the Hellenistic Period to the Roman Imperial Period. Coinage began in the early 3rd century BCE, during the independent rule of the city's founder, Queen Amastris. These early coins typically depict the queen's own portrait, sometimes with a Phrygian cap or veil. The reverse usually featured deities such as Tyche (goddess of fortune), Athena, or Hermes, or maritime symbols like a ship's prow, emphasizing the city's naval and commercial importance. Coinage continued during the Pontus Kingdom period, with these coins featuring portraits of Pontic kings and symbols specific to the kingdom. During the Roman Imperial Period, local bronze coins were minted, often alongside imperial issues. These coins typically bore portraits of Roman emperors on the obverse, while the reverse featured local elements such as the city's local deities, architectural structures, or mythological scenes. The coins of Amastris have been an important indicator of the city's long-standing economic power and political autonomy.

Amastris is an ancient mint represented in the NumisTR database by 19 coin varieties. The recorded coins were struck in bronze and silver. Authorities named on the coins include C. Papirius Carbo. You can browse the city's coins in the Paphlagonia coins list.

Archaeological Remains

Since the modern Amasra district is built upon the ancient city of Amastris, most of the ancient remains lie beneath the modern settlement. However, some significant structures have survived to the present day. Amasra Castle, although built during the Byzantine period, is situated upon ancient city walls and foundational structures. The Small Church (Fatih Mosque) within the castle may have been built on the remains of a Roman basilica or temple. Traces of a Roman bridge, aqueducts, and necropolis areas can also be seen in the city. The Amasra Museum exhibits a rich collection of archaeological artifacts recovered from the city, including sculptures, sarcophagi, inscriptions, and coins. These remains reveal the wealth and architectural development of Amastris in antiquity.

Today

Ancient Amastris continues its existence today as the Amasra district of Bartın province. Amasra, one of the most beautiful and touristic settlements on the Black Sea, particularly attracts visitors with its natural beauty, historical fabric, and local cuisine. The remains of the ancient city can be seen intertwined with the modern urban structure. Access to Amasra is provided by road via Bartın. The city is a popular destination for both domestic and foreign tourists, offering a unique experience where ancient heritage blends with modern life.