Kerasous/Pharnakeia

Located in the northeast of ancient Anatolia, on the Black Sea coast, Kerasous/Pharnakeia was a port city that stood out for its strategic importance throughout history. Situated at the intersection of the regions of Pontus and Lesser Armenia, this settlement was first established as a Greek colony under the name Kerasous, and later renamed Pharnakeia during the period of the Kingdom of Pontus. The city maintained its significance with the Roman Empire's dominance in the region, becoming one of the important commercial and military points in ancient geography.

History

The foundation of Kerasous was carried out by Milesian colonists on the southern shores of the Black Sea in the 7th century BCE. In this early period, the city became an important part of the Black Sea trade network and developed with the rich natural resources in its vicinity. In the 1st century BCE, during the reign of Mithridates VI Eupator, King of Pontus, the city underwent a strategic restructuring and was renamed "Pharnakeia" in honor of the king's daughter, Pharnakeia. During this period, it played a critical role in the Kingdom of Pontus's resistance against Rome, serving as an important port and a probable naval base. Following the consolidation of Roman dominance in the region, Pharnakeia was integrated into the administrative and economic structure of the Roman Empire. During the Imperial period, it continued to exist, particularly until the Byzantine era, but gradually lost its former glory, transforming into a more local center. The city's history reflects a rich cultural and political transformation spanning from the Hellenistic Period to the Roman and early Byzantine eras.

Geographic Location

Kerasous/Pharnakeia is located within the borders of modern Turkey, in the eastern part of the Black Sea Region, in the area of present-day Giresun city. Its coordinates are 40.919134 latitude and 38.397931 longitude. It was founded on a strategic promontory on the Black Sea coast, offering a natural harbor. This location facilitated both sea access to the city and its connection with inland regions. Its position on the border of the Pontus and Lesser Armenia regions made the city a crossroads of different civilizations, both culturally and commercially. Its location at the edge of one of the most fertile plains of the Eastern Black Sea allowed for agricultural production, as well as trade in seafood and forest products. The area around the city was covered with dense forests in antiquity, which offered significant advantages for defense and natural resources.

Significance in Antiquity

Kerasous/Pharnakeia held great importance for the region in antiquity, both economically and politically. As a port city, it was a critical stop on the Black Sea trade routes. Goods such as agricultural products, timber, and minerals from inland regions were exported from here by sea to other Black Sea cities and the Mediterranean world, while luxury goods and craft products from abroad were distributed to the region from here. Politically, it stood out as one of Mithridates VI's strategic cities during the Kingdom of Pontus, serving as an important military base and naval center in the wars waged against Rome. The city's strategic location ensured that it became not just a commercial hub, but an influential actor in regional power balances. During the Hellenistic and Roman periods, it also functioned as part of the administrative structure in the region, becoming a center for local governance and taxation. Furthermore, cultural interactions in the city made it a center where different civilizations blended.

Coinage

Kerasous is an ancient mint represented in the NumisTR database by 8 coin varieties. The recorded coins were struck in bronze. You can browse the city's coins in the Pontus coins list.

Archaeological Remains

Due to Kerasous/Pharnakeia being located beneath or in the immediate vicinity of the modern city of Giresun, distinct and comprehensive archaeological remains from antiquity are limited. Urban development has led to the extensive destruction of ancient structures or their burial beneath modern buildings. However, small finds such as pottery fragments, foundation remains, or architectural elements are occasionally encountered during construction work or salvage excavations. Particularly along the coastline and around Giresun Castle, there is a high potential for finding traces of ancient harbor structures or defensive walls. Future systematic archaeological research may contribute to gaining more information about the city's ancient topography and architectural heritage.

Today

Ancient Kerasous/Pharnakeia corresponds today to the area where the provincial capital of Giresun, Turkey, is located. The modern city is built upon the legacy of the ancient city, with the location of Giresun Castle marking the site of the ancient acropolis. Access to the city by road is quite easy via the Black Sea Coastal Road. Furthermore, air access is available through Ordu-Giresun Airport. Although modern Giresun does not retain its ancient name, it carries the spirit of ancient Kerasous/Pharnakeia by virtue of its historical and geographical location.