Tomis

Tomis refers to the ancient Greek city on the western shore of the Black Sea, in the Dobruja region. The site corresponds to the modern city of Constanța, Romania. Tomis is known from classical sources and archaeology as an early Greek colonial settlement that linked Mediterranean trade networks with the northern Black Sea coast.

Founding and early history: Tomis is traditionally dated to the 7th century BCE, established by Ionian colonists, possibly from Miletus, as part of the broader Greek expansion along the Pontic coast. It functioned as a trading outpost and urban center, interacting with local Geto-Dacian communities and other regional polities. Over time, Tomis developed fortifications, a harbor, and public buildings typical of Hellenistic urban centers.

Roman and Late Antiquity: During the Roman period, Tomis continued to grow as a major port and urban hub in the region. In the 1st to 3rd centuries CE it was an important center within the province of Scythia Minor, reflecting continued Greek influence under Roman rule. The city is associated with a number of inscriptions and archaeological finds that illuminate daily life, trade, and administration in the region. The exile of the poet Ovid to Tomis around 8 CE is a notable anecdote from classical literature, underscoring the city’s visibility in Roman cultural memory.

Medieval to modern era: After antiquity, the area remained under Byzantine influence and later fell under Ottoman control as Dobruja was incorporated into the Ottoman Empire. In the late 19th century, following the Russo-Turkish War, the region was assigned to Romania. The modern city of Constanța developed around the ancient site and became Romania’s principal port on the Black Sea.

Archaeology and legacy: Excavations have recovered Greek and Roman remains, including fortifications, public buildings, and inscriptions, providing a tangible record of Tomis’s role as a regional hub in antiquity.