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Bosporan Kingdom

An ancient Graeco-Scythian state that existed on the shores of the Cimmerian Bosporus (Kerch Strait) from the 5th century BCE to the 4th century CE. Its capital was Pantikapaion (modern-day Kerch).

Overview

The Bosporan Kingdom was one of the most important ancient states of the Northern Black Sea region. It was formed as a result of the unification of Greek poleis on both shores of the Kerch Strait under the hegemony of Pantikapaion. The kingdom controlled access to the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov and was a major exporter of grain to Greece.

The most famous king of the Bosporus was Mithridates VI Eupator (of Pontic origin), in whose honor Mount Mithridates in Kerch is named. During his reign, the Bosporan Kingdom temporarily became part of the Kingdom of Pontus.

Archaeological monuments of the Bosporan Kingdom are concentrated on Mount Mithridates (the acropolis of Pantikapaion) and in the vicinity of Kerch.

Key Details / Subtopics

  • Period of Existence: 5th century BCE — 4th century CE.
  • Capital: Pantikapaion (modern-day Kerch).
  • Territory: both shores of the Kerch Strait (Kerch and Taman peninsulas).
  • Rulers: the Spartocid dynasty (from 438 BCE), later the Mithridatids (Mithridates VI Eupator).
  • Acropolis: located on Mount Mithridates in Kerch.
  • Tomb for Mithridates — article by Ivan Klepyk (Krymska Svitlytsia, 2019, No. 45-46).
  • Pantikapaion — capital of the Bosporan Kingdom.
  • Kerch — modern city located on the site of the Bosporan capital.
  • Greeks in Crimea — ancient context of founding poleis in Crimea.