Settlements > Bithynian Settlements

Bithynian Settlements

Background

Bithynian settlements were cities and towns located in the ancient region of Bithynia, which was situated in the northwestern part of Anatolia (modern-day Turkey). Bithynia was inhabited by Thracian tribes before being Hellenized by Greek settlers, and it later became a Roman province.

These settlements were integral to the history and development of Bithynia, contributing to its economic prosperity, cultural richness, and political influence in the ancient Mediterranean world.

Here are some notable Bithynian settlements:

Nicaea (Nikaia): Nicaea was one of the most important cities in Bithynia and served as its capital for several centuries. Founded by Antigonus I Monophthalmus, one of Alexander the Great's successors, Nicaea became a prominent center of trade, culture, and politics. It hosted the First and Seventh Ecumenical Councils of the Christian Church in 325 and 787 CE, respectively.

Nicomedia (Nikomedeia): Nicomedia was another significant city in Bithynia, located on the eastern shore of the Sea of Marmara. It served as the capital of the Roman province of Bithynia et Pontus and later became the eastern capital of the Roman Empire under Emperor Diocletian. Nicomedia was a major administrative, military, and commercial center during the Roman period.

Prusa (Bursa): Prusa, known today as Bursa, was an ancient city located in the southwestern part of Bithynia. It was founded by the King of Bithynia, Prusias I, and served as the capital of the Bithynian kingdom for a period. Prusa was known for its hot springs and became a popular spa resort during the Roman and Byzantine periods.

Chalcedon (Kadıköy): Chalcedon was a Greek colony founded on the Asian shore of the Bosporus Strait, opposite Byzantium (later Constantinople, now Istanbul). It was established in the 7th century BCE and served as a key maritime and commercial center. Chalcedon played a significant role in the history of the Byzantine Empire and hosted several important ecclesiastical councils.

Heraclea Pontica (Karadeniz Ereğli): While not located directly within Bithynia's borders, Heraclea Pontica was an important Greek colony situated along the southern coast of the Black Sea, in what is now modern-day Turkey. Founded by colonists from Megara, Heraclea Pontica became a thriving city known for its trade, shipbuilding, and cultural achievements.

• Apamea Myrlea
• Bursa
• Prusias ad Hypium
• Prusias ad Mare
• Tirilye
• Zipoition

Creating a comprehensive table of known settlements from the ancient region of Bithynia, including their latitude, longitude, year founded, and population, involves synthesizing historical records. Here is a table with available information on some notable Bithynian settlements:

Notes:

1. Nicomedia: Founded by Nicomedes I of Bithynia, became a major city and capital of Bithynia.
2. Nicaea (Iznik): Founded by Antigonus I Monophthalmus and later renamed by Lysimachus, known for its role in the First Council of Nicaea.
3. Prusa (Bursa): Founded by Prusias I of Bithynia, later an important city under Roman and Byzantine rule.
4. Chalcedon (Kadıköy): Founded by Greek settlers from Megara, significant throughout Bithynian and Roman periods.
5. Heraclea Pontica: A Greek colony, later under Bithynian control, known for its strategic location on the Black Sea.
6. Apamea Myrlea (Mudanya): Founded by the Bithynians, renamed Apamea by Philip V of Macedon.
7. Cius (Gemlik): An important port city, colonized by the Greeks and later part of the Bithynian kingdom.
8. Tium (Tios): A Greek colony that became part of the Bithynian kingdom.
9. Astacus (Izmit): One of the earliest colonies in the region, eventually overshadowed by Nicomedia.
10. Libyssa: Known as the burial place of Hannibal, the Carthaginian general.

These settlements played important roles in the administration, culture, and economy of ancient Bithynia. Exact population figures are generally unavailable due to the ancient context, but these cities were major centers of activity in their time.

Sources