Eryth(r)inoi is an ancient coastal settlement located on the Black Sea coast, in the ancient region of Paphlagonia. Its name is derived from the Ancient Greek word "erythros" (red), likely referring to the reddish rocks or soil in the region. Due to its strategic location, it is believed to have been a small-scale port town or settlement that played a role in the region's maritime activities and local trade.

History

While definitive information regarding the foundation of Eryth(r)inoi is limited, it is probable that, like many ancient settlements on the Black Sea coast, it developed during or after the Greek colonization movements that began in the 8th century BCE. The city's name is derived from the Ancient Greek word "erythros," meaning "red"; this could be a reference to the distinctive reddish geographical features in the region, or it may have arisen from the founders or local inhabitants adopting a characteristic associated with this color. Throughout history, the region of Paphlagonia successively fell under the dominion of the Persian Empire, and subsequently, with the conquests of Alexander the Great, it became part of the sphere of influence of the Hellenistic kingdoms. Paphlagonia became an important part of the Kingdom of Pontus, especially during the reign of Mithridates VI Eupator, and was incorporated into the Roman provincial system with the expansion of the Roman Empire in the region in the 1st century BCE. Although detailed written records regarding Eryth(r)inoi's specific role during the periods of these great empires and kingdoms are lacking, it is presumed to have sustained its existence through maritime trade and local fishing activities due to its coastal location. Like other small settlements in the region, it likely led a life more dependent on regional dynamics and main trade routes, rather than being directly affected by major political events.

Geographic Location

Eryth(r)inoi is situated on the northern coastline of the ancient Paphlagonia region, directly facing the Black Sea. The current coordinates (41.779469, 32.484075) point to an area near the Cide district, within the borders of modern Turkey's Kastamonu province. This strategic coastal location indicates the settlement's accessibility by sea and its suitability for maritime activities. It likely had potential commercial and cultural connections with other Paphlagonian cities along the Black Sea coast, such as Amastris (Amasra) or Sinope (Sinop). The generally rugged and mountainous nature of the coastline further strengthened the connection of settlements like Eryth(r)inoi to the sea. The "red" color evoked by the city's name probably stems from the iron-oxide-rich soil structure or coastal rocks in the region. These natural features not only gave the settlement a distinctive appearance but also perhaps facilitated economic activities such as the extraction of certain minerals. Its connection with inland regions may have been limited due to the challenging topography of the coastal mountains.

Significance in Antiquity

The significance of Eryth(r)inoi in antiquity most likely stemmed from its functions as a port or coastal settlement. Its location on the Black Sea coast may have made it part of the local maritime trade network. Fishing activities in the region would have been one of the settlement's primary sources of livelihood, and it may have served as an intermediate station for transporting products obtained from here to inland regions or other coastal cities. There is no evidence that the city was a major political center; however, as was common throughout Paphlagonia, it may have been used as a tax collection point or an administrative outpost as part of regional administrations during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Specific information regarding its religious significance is also unavailable; however, it is probable that small temples or cult areas dedicated to the Greek and Roman pantheon existed. Eryth(r)inoi likely remained in the shadow of major minting cities, possessing an economic structure that primarily met local needs and was dependent on neighboring larger centers. Such small coastal settlements were typically strategic points that supplied the hinterland of larger cities or served as minor waypoints along main maritime routes.

Coinage

No coins from this settlement are recorded in the NumisTR database. Smaller-scale ancient settlements like Eryth(r)inoi generally did not possess the authority or economic power to strike their own coins. Instead, in their commercial activities and daily lives, they used coins struck by larger, more centrally located cities in the region. Important cities in the Paphlagonia region, such as Amastris, Sinope, or Pompeiopolis, struck their own coins, thereby influencing the regional economy. The inhabitants of Eryth(r)inoi likely conducted their transactions, paid their taxes, and maintained their economic relations using the coins of these major centers. This situation once again demonstrates that coinage, a symbol of political and economic independence in antiquity, was a privilege exclusive to cities of a certain size and importance.

Archaeological Remains

Unfortunately, distinct and detailed archaeological information regarding the visible ancient remains of Eryth(r)inoi is not available today. There is no specific record of extensive archaeological excavation or surface survey having been conducted in the area. As with many ancient settlements on the Black Sea coast, the remains of Eryth(r)inoi may have been destroyed over time by natural erosion, climatic conditions, or modern construction, or they may lie buried underground. Should future excavation work be undertaken, one might expect the discovery of harbor structures, foundations of defensive walls, residential remains, pottery fragments, and objects of daily use, typical of a coastal settlement. Furthermore, geological formations or traces of mining activities related to the "red" color that gives the city its name could also be worthy of investigation. However, as of now, there is no information about any significant visible remains of this ancient settlement above ground.

Today

The ancient settlement of Eryth(r)inoi is located today within the borders of modern Turkey, on the Black Sea coast near the Cide district of Kastamonu province. The coordinates (41.779469, 32.484075) indicate this region. While there is no definitive information regarding the presence of modern settlement or agricultural activities on the site, the remains of such small ancient settlements are often buried beneath modern villages or towns, or covered by natural vegetation. Access to the region can be provided via the Black Sea coastal road. Eryth(r)inoi does not currently stand out as a tourist destination or an active archaeological site; however, it holds potential archaeological heritage.