Odessus

Odessus is an ancient Thracian settlement located on the western shore of the Black Sea, near the modern-day city of Varna in Bulgaria. Historically, it was founded by Greek colonists from Miletus in the 6th century BCE. The name Odessos is of Thracian origin and was adopted by the Greeks. The city quickly became a significant trading post, benefiting from its strategic location along maritime routes.

During the Hellenistic period, Odessos grew in importance and was eventually incorporated into the Roman Empire. Under Roman rule, it continued to flourish as a port and administrative center. Archaeological excavations in the Varna region have uncovered remnants of Hellenistic and Roman fortifications, public buildings, and numerous artifacts that shed light on the city's past.

The Byzantine Empire later controlled Odessos, and it remained an active settlement. Its strategic importance persisted through various historical epochs. Over time, the settlement evolved and eventually gave rise to the modern city of Varna, preserving a continuity of human habitation on the site for millennia. The legacy of Odessos is evident in the archaeological heritage of Varna and its surrounding areas.