Amisos
Ancient Samsun, Amisos , was founded by Miletos colonists with Greek orign in 7 th century B.C. The paople of Miletos started their colonization movements later than the Greek colonists (670 B.C.). As they had found the Agean Region occupted, they settled at the coasts of the Marmara and Black Sea, which were suitable as the centers of trade and fishery. Amisos was one these importand centers.
Amisos was founded as a coastal city at a gulf with the same name in Ponthus Region in the north of Asia Minor. The city takes place between two rivers, Kizilirmak River (Halys) and Yesilirmak River (Iris). It is on a hill at the seaside. The city, whichis an open harbour, had played an important role especially at Ancient Age as not only does it have a close relation with its hinderland, but also it is the only useful harbour between Sinop (Sinope) and Trabzon (Trapezus), Amisos, which had been dominated by Athens until the end of IV.th century B.C, was first occupied by Persians in 370 B.C and then by Ponthus Kingdom (III rd century B.C) after Anatolia was dotor, made not only Sinop but also Samsun a royal city. The name of Amisos as often heard during the wars between Mithridades and romans General Lucullus, and after it had fallen, it was burned by the people of Amisos. Then, Amisos was included in roman Empire and consructed again. After this, it had achieved its previous fame. During Byzantium period it became a bishopric center and cotinued to develop.
