Kerasous is an important ancient settlement strategically located on the southern coast of the Black Sea, at the intersection of the ancient regions of Pontus and Lesser Armenia. Thanks to this position, it played a role in the rise of the Kingdom of Pontus and its resistance against the Roman Empire, contributing to the rich historical and cultural fabric of the region. Today, it is located within the borders of modern Turkey, in the area corresponding to the province of Giresun.

History

Although precise information regarding the foundation of Kerasous is limited, it is known that the region was colonized by Milesian settlers starting from the 8th century BCE. However, specifically for Kerasous, archaeological findings suggest that the initial settlement dates back to much earlier periods, extending to the Chalcolithic Age. The city came under the dominion of the Kingdom of Pontus, which began to strengthen particularly from the 4th century BCE and became a significant political actor in the Black Sea region. During the reign of King Mithridates VI Eupator (120-63 BCE), the kingdom experienced one of its most brilliant periods, and coastal cities like Kerasous are thought to have played a strategic role in its prolonged resistance against the Roman Empire. Following the destruction of the Kingdom of Pontus by Rome, Kerasous became part of the Roman Empire and was incorporated into the Roman provincial administration. During this period, it maintained its importance, particularly in terms of maritime trade. After the division of the Roman Empire, the city came under the control of the Byzantine Empire, continued its existence throughout the Middle Ages, and witnessed conflicts between Byzantium and neighboring states.

Geographic Location

Kerasous is strategically located on the southern coast of the Black Sea, in the area of modern Giresun province. It formed a transitional point between the fertile coastal strip extending to its east and west, and the hinterland reaching the foothills of the Pontic Alps to its south. The city's location facilitated both maritime trade and strengthened its connections with inland regions. Its possession of a natural harbor transformed Kerasous into a trade and logistics hub in antiquity. Furthermore, its position along ancient roads and maritime routes stretching along the Black Sea coast endowed it with great military and economic significance. Thanks to these geographical advantages, Kerasous served as a bridge between other coastal settlements and inland regions in its vicinity.

Significance in Antiquity

The significance of Kerasous in antiquity largely stemmed from its geographical location and its relationship with the Kingdom of Pontus. Thanks to its strategic harbor on the Black Sea coast, it played a key role in both the maritime transport of local agricultural products (known especially as the homeland of hazelnuts and cherries) and the distribution of goods from distant regions to the interior. During the period of the Kingdom of Pontus, it is probable that Kerasous was used as a naval base or supply point in the struggles against Rome. Even after coming under Roman rule, it continued to play an important role in the security of the empire's eastern borders and in maintaining the Black Sea trade network. The city's political importance was reinforced by its inclusion in regional administrative structures. Religiously, it is thought to bear traces of the worship of Hellenistic and Roman deities, in addition to local cults in the region. This multifaceted importance made Kerasous one of the dynamic centers on the Black Sea coast of ancient Anatolia.

Coinage

No coins from this settlement are recorded in the NumisTR database. In antiquity, not all settlements had the capacity or need to strike their own coins; typically, coinage from larger regional centers or imperial mints was used in circulation. This suggests that Kerasous integrated its economic activities with the official coinage of larger minting cities in its vicinity, and particularly with that of the Kingdom of Pontus and the Roman Empire. It is assumed that coins struck by Amisos, Sinope, or Imperial mints were in circulation in Kerasous for commercial transactions in the region.

Archaeological Remains

The ancient remains of Kerasous are located beneath or around the modern city of Giresun, which complicates archaeological investigations. The city's long and continuous occupation has resulted in ancient structures largely being buried under modern buildings or having been destroyed. Today, limited archaeological findings such as wall remnants, pottery fragments, and foundation traces belonging to the ancient settlement can be found on and around the peninsula where Giresun Castle is located. It is particularly thought that some sections of the castle were built upon ancient city walls. Due to the city's close relationship with the sea, there is also potential for traces of ancient harbor structures or shipwrecks to be found underwater. Future detailed archaeological excavations and surface surveys may reveal the ancient fabric of Kerasous more clearly.

Today

The ancient city of Kerasous corresponds to the area where the modern city of Giresun is located in Turkey's Black Sea Region. The city center has developed on and around the peninsula where the ancient settlement was situated. Giresun is one of modern Turkey's important hazelnut production centers, notable for its natural beauty and Black Sea culture. Access to the city is provided by road and air (Ordu-Giresun Airport). Visitors can explore Giresun Castle and the city museum to find clues about the region's history and the legacy of ancient Kerasous.