Gorgippus
Gorgippus (Greek: Γόργιππος) was a Greek ruler of the Bosporan Kingdom in the 4th century BC. He was the brother of Leucon I, the Spartocid king who consolidated control over the Bosporus. Gorgippus served as the governor of Sindica, a region bordering the Bosporan Kingdom to the east, likely appointed to this position by Leucon. This administrative role, often described as "ruler" or "tyrant" of Sindica in historical accounts, suggests that Gorgippus held considerable power and influence in the region.
His rule facilitated the expansion of Spartocid influence and trade into Sindica, bringing the region more firmly under Bosporan control. The exact nature of his relationship with the indigenous Sindi people is debated amongst historians; he may have ruled with their cooperation or as a conqueror.
The city of Gorgippia (modern Anapa, Russia) was named in his honor, reflecting his significance in the region's history and solidifying the Spartocid legacy in the northern Black Sea area. While detailed biographical information about Gorgippus is scarce, his role as a key figure in the consolidation and expansion of the Bosporan Kingdom under the Spartocids is well established through archaeological findings and historical texts. His governorship of Sindica was crucial for maintaining stability and extending the Bosporan sphere of influence eastward.