Isters

Isters refers to a historical region located along the lower Danube River, roughly corresponding to present-day Romania and Bulgaria. The name itself is derived from the ancient Greek name for the Danube, Istros. This area was a significant crossroads of cultures and trade for centuries, influencing and being influenced by various civilizations.

Ancient Greek colonies were established along the coast of the Black Sea in this region, bringing Hellenistic culture and economic ties. Later, the Romans expanded their dominion to include the territory, incorporating it into the province of Moesia. Roman presence brought infrastructure, administration, and Latin influence, which would have a lasting impact on the languages spoken in the area. Following the decline of the Roman Empire, the region was subject to numerous migrations and invasions by various groups, including Goths, Huns, Slavs, and Bulgars. These interactions shaped the ethnic and cultural landscape of what would eventually become the Romanian and Bulgarian nations. The strategic importance of the lower Danube as a route for trade and military movements ensured that Isters remained a point of contention and interaction for many empires throughout antiquity and the early Middle Ages.