Perinthus

Perinthus was an ancient Greek city located in Thrace, on the northern coast of the Aegean Sea. Its strategic position on the Propontis, the strait connecting the Aegean to the Sea of Marmara, made it an important port and a significant settlement throughout antiquity. The city was founded by colonists from Samos, likely in the 7th century BCE. Its original name is believed to have been Myriandos, before being renamed Perinthus.

The city flourished due to its trade routes and its role as a defensive outpost for the region. Perinthus was part of various political entities over its history, including the Athenian Empire and later the Macedonian kingdom. During the Roman period, Perinthus maintained its importance and was often referred to as Heraclea or Hadrianopolis by later sources, though the exact relationship and overlap with these names are debated by scholars.

Perinthus played a role in the Thracian Wars and was subject to various invasions and occupations. It was particularly known for its strong fortifications. The city's eventual decline is attributed to a combination of factors, including political instability, economic shifts, and possibly natural disasters. Archaeological evidence suggests a continuous occupation from the Archaic period through the Byzantine era. The site of Perinthus is located near the modern Turkish town of Marmara Ereğlisi.