Tripolis is an important ancient city located on the southern coast of the Black Sea, at the intersection of the ancient regions of Pontus and Lesser Armenia. Thanks to its strategic location, it played a role in both maritime trade and regional defense, maintaining its existence under the dominion of various civilizations from the Hellenistic Period to the Byzantine Period. The city is one of Anatolia's ancient settlements, distinguished by its rich history and geographical significance.

History

While precise information regarding the foundation of Tripolis is limited, considering that the region was subject to Milesian colonization from the 7th century BCE onwards, it is probable that the city's foundations were laid during the Hellenistic Period or even earlier. The city came under the dominion of the Kingdom of Pontus, which grew stronger particularly from the 3rd century BCE, and became a strategic point in the kingdom's resistance against the Roman Empire. During the reign of Pontic King Mithridates VI Eupator, it gained importance as one of the kingdom's significant port and defense centers on the Black Sea. With Rome's conquest of the region, Tripolis became part of the Roman Empire in the 1st century CE and was incorporated into either the province of Pontus Polemoniacus or Lesser Armenia through Roman administrative arrangements. The city experienced a period of relative prosperity during the Roman era, maintaining its significance due to its location on trade routes. Tripolis continued to exist during the Early Byzantine Period, situated on the eastern frontiers of the Byzantine Empire, particularly along the defense line against the Sasanids and later Arab incursions. While detailed information about the city's status during the Byzantine Period is limited, it is believed to have followed a development consistent with the general historical trajectory of the region.

Geographic Location

Tripolis is located on the southeastern coast of the Black Sea, near the modern-day Espiye district of Giresun province (41.002558, 38.819497). This location provided the city with both maritime access and trade opportunities, and allowed it to play a key role in connecting the interior regions with the coastline. Its possession of a natural harbor made Tripolis an attractive center for maritime activities in the Black Sea. Concurrently, its position on ancient roads extending along the coastline strengthened the city's connections with neighboring cities such as Kerasus (Giresun) and Trapezus (Trabzon). The fertile lands in the region also contributed to the city's richness in agricultural resources. This strategic point, where mountainous terrain meets the sea, offered a natural defensive advantage that enhanced the city's importance both commercially and militarily.

Significance in Antiquity

The significance of Tripolis in antiquity largely stemmed from its geographical location. As a port city on the Black Sea coast, it played a critical role in both the maritime transport of local products (timber, minerals, agricultural goods) to other regions and the distribution of incoming goods to the interior. Economically, it became an important node in the Black Sea trade network, which contributed to the city's prosperity. Politically, during the Kingdom of Pontus period, it held strategic value as a base or supply point in the struggles against Rome. During the Roman Empire period, it maintained its importance for inter-provincial transportation and control. The city's military importance can be understood from its function as a fortress or garrison town in protecting the empire's eastern borders, particularly during the Byzantine Period. Religiously, as observed throughout the region, it likely hosted temples and cult sites dedicated to Hellenistic and Roman deities. With the spread of Christianity, it may have become an episcopal see during the Early Byzantine Period.

Coinage

No coins from this settlement are recorded in the NumisTR database. Although historical sources and numismatic catalogs indicate the existence of other cities known as Tripolis that minted coins (e.g., Tripolis in Phrygia), no archaeological or numismatic findings suggest that this particular Tripolis in Pontus/Lesser Armenia minted its own coinage. This suggests that the city conducted its economic activities primarily through barter systems or by utilizing the coinage of neighboring major mints (e.g., Trapezus or Amisos).

Archaeological Remains

Detailed and systematic public studies on the surviving archaeological remains of Tripolis are not yet available. However, as an ancient settlement, there are potential remains that could be uncovered through surface surveys or future excavations. Structures expected in a typical ancient city include defensive walls, harbor installations, public buildings (agora, theater, baths), residential areas, and necropolises (cemeteries). Particularly in such cities along the Black Sea coast, remains of piers and quays connected to the sea are of great importance. It is possible that finds such as Roman and Byzantine period pottery fragments, architectural elements, or inscriptions, seen in other ancient cities in the region, could also be discovered in Tripolis. Comprehensive archaeological research in the future will provide more information about the city's urban fabric, architecture, and way of life.

Today

The ancient city of Tripolis is located today within or in the vicinity of the Espiye district, which is part of Giresun province in Turkey. Since the exact location of the city may overlap with modern residential areas or may not yet be fully determined, visitors should aim for the center of Espiye district to reach the area. Espiye, easily accessible via the Black Sea Coastal Road (D010), is connected by road to major cities like Giresun and Trabzon. The region holds tourism potential with its natural beauties and other ancient settlements.