Pontus
Pontus is the Black Sea coast and its mountainous hinterland, a region of Greek colonies, Iranian-speaking kings and Byzantine monasteries. Sinope and Trapezus were founded by Greek traders; Amasya became the capital of the Kingdom of Pontus, whose most famous ruler, Mithridates VI, challenged Rome in the 1st century BCE. The kingdom's rock-cut tombs at Amasya and its fortresses show a hybrid Anatolian-Persian-Greek culture. After Rome, the region became part of the Byzantine world; Trebizond (Trabzon) later ruled its own empire after 1204, and Sumela Monastery hangs above the forest. Pontus is a case study in how the Black Sea connected Anatolia to the Caucasus, the steppe and the Mediterranean.
Where to see it
Opening hours, prices and transport change. Confirm details with the official venue before you go.