Perinthus

Perinthus (also known as Heraclea Perinthus and later as Heraclea, and in modern Turkish as Marmara Ereğlisi) was an ancient Greek city located on the Propontis (modern Sea of Marmara), on the European side of Thrace. It was situated about 38 miles (61 km) west of Selymbria (modern Silivri) and 47 miles (76 km) east of Rhodosto (modern Tekirdağ).

Founded as a colony of Samos, it became a prosperous trading center due to its strategic location on the sea route between Greece and the Black Sea. Perinthus controlled a large territory and its influence extended to neighboring settlements.

During the Roman period, Perinthus was known as Heraclea Perinthus and served as the capital of the Roman province of Europa. The city flourished under Roman rule and was adorned with impressive public buildings, including temples, theaters, and bathhouses. It was also an important episcopal see.

In late antiquity and the Byzantine period, Perinthus continued to be a significant city. It was frequently targeted by invaders and suffered from earthquakes, but it was consistently rebuilt. Eventually, the city declined in importance and was overshadowed by Constantinople (modern Istanbul).

Today, the site of Perinthus is located near the modern town of Marmara Ereğlisi in Turkey. Archaeological excavations have revealed remains of the ancient city, providing insights into its history and culture. These remains include sections of the city walls, Roman-era structures, and Byzantine churches.