Istros

Histria, also known as Istros (Ancient Greek: Ἰστρίη), was established as a Greek colony on the western coast of the Black Sea near the mouth of the Danube River, referred to in Greek as the Ister. In antiquity, Histria was also known by the names Istropolis, Istriopolis, and Histriopolis (Ἰστρόπολις, Ἰστρία πόλις. The site is located near the modern town of Istria in Romania.

As the earliest known urban settlement on present-day Romanian territory, Histria was founded by settlers from Miletus in the 7th century BCE. The city sustained continuous habitation for over 1,200 years, reflecting its importance as a significant cultural and economic center in the region.

Under Roman rule from the 1st century CE, Histria was incorporated into the province of Moesia. The city is noted on the Tabula Peutingeriana, which places it 11 miles from Tomis and 9 miles from Ad Stoma, emphasizing its connectivity within the Roman Empire.

By the 7th century CE, invasions had rendered Histria indefensible, leading to its abandonment. This marked the end of a long period of habitation and the city’s historical significance as an ancient settlement in the region.

Mithraic monuments of Istros