Map-of-Greek-colonies-around-the-Black-Sea-ca-550-bc

1. Map of Pontus in Antiquity

Pontus was an ancient Greek-influenced region along the southeastern coast of the Black Sea, in what is now northern Turkey. It was home to Greek colonies such as Sinope (Σινώπη), Trebizond (Τραπεζοῦς, modern Trabzon), and Amaseia (Αμάσεια, modern Amasya).

2. Byzantine and Empire of Trebizond Map

During the Byzantine period, Pontus remained an important region. After the Fourth Crusade (1204), the Empire of Trebizond was established and lasted until 1461, when it was conquered by the Ottoman Empire.

3. Modern Map Showing Pontic Greek Settlements

Before the Greek-Turkish population exchange in 1923, Pontic Greeks lived in many coastal and inland cities such as:

  • Trebizond (Trabzon) – One of the most important centers of Pontic Greek culture.
  • Sinope (Sinop) – An ancient Greek colony and later a major port.
  • Kerasous (Giresun) – A historic city known for its connections to Greek mythology.
  • Amaseia (Amasya) – The birthplace of Strabo, the ancient Greek geographer.
  • Samsous (Samsun) – A key trade center in antiquity.