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According to the most valid foundation myth, Byzantium was a Megaric colony, founded by Byzas. Built on the site where Bosporus opens up to the Sea of Marmaras, it combined a unique strategic location with a very fertile inland. The control of the Bosporus was the decisive element which marked its further history. |
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Chora of Byzantium (Antiquity) |
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The Megarian colony of Byzantium was surrounded by an extensive "chora", which extended from Selymbria and Bizanthe (Raedestus) in the west to the mouth of the Black Sea in the east-northeast. This area comprised several settlements, mainly of fishermen and farmers, as well as commercial posts of other Greek cities. The resources of this area were considerable and varied: fishing, wood felling, agriculture and commerce in particular secured prosperity for the city. |
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European shores of the Bosporus |
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The “Thracian” or “Mysian” Bosporus separates the continents of Europe and Asia and the waters of the Black Sea from the Sea of Marmara. Its names distinguish it from the ancient Cimmerian Bosporus (Βόσπορος Κιμμέριος), which separates the modern Black Sea (ancient Pontus Euxinus, Πόντος ὁ Εὔξεινος) from the modern Sea of Azov (ancient Palus Maeotis, Μαιῶτις λίμνη) and corresponds to the modern Russian Kertch. |
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