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Document Details : Title: Archaeology of the Cimmerian Bosporus: Past, Present, Future Subtitle: Opening Lecture at the International Conference 'Greeks and Natives in the Cimmerian Bosporus (7th-1st Centuries BC)', 9 October 2000 Author(s): TSETSKHLADZE, Gocha R. Journal: Ancient West & East Volume: 24 Date: 2025 Pages: 151-158 DOI: 10.2143/AWE.24.0.3295113 Abstract : The Cimmerian Bosporus, from the Classical period the Bosporan kingdom, offers many interesting and important opportunities for the study of ancient Greek colonial practice. This unique political entity demonstrates clearly that Greeks living far from home could not survive without close links with the local population. Not only did Greeks influence local society but the colonies were themselves influenced by natives. The study of the archaeology of the Cimmerian Bosporus has continued for several generations. Numerous scholarly questions have been answered. The emphasis has always been on considering the Bosporan kingdom in connection with events in the Mediterranean and other parts of the northern Black Sea. Less attention has been paid to the role and place of the Cimmerian Bosporus in relation to the whole Black Sea region. Whether or not a local population existed prior to the arrival of the Greeks is still not very clear. The mechanics of Greek-barbarian relations after the foundation of colonies also requires new thoughts and approaches. Did the Sindian kingdom exist or is it just in the imagination of modern academics? Nowadays, scholarship offers new routes for the study of old problems, primarily so-called Hellenisation (so vital in understanding the Cimmerian Bosporus). What is Greek and what is not? Are we influenced by modern conceptions rather than ancient realities? |
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