Develtos

Develtos, an ancient city in Thrace, was strategically positioned at the mouth of the Sredetska reka and served as an emporium for Apollonia Pontica in the 7th century BCE. It flourished as a hub of trade between Thracians and Greeks from the 6th to the 4th century BCE. Incorporated into the Roman Empire in 46 CE, it became a Roman colonia for veterans, known as Colonia Flavia Pacis Deultensium, under Emperor Vespasian. Despite suffering from barbarian attacks in the 2nd century CE, it retained significance through successive centuries. The city experienced significant destruction and rebuilding phases, notably being rebuilt with new fortifications in the 5th century and sacked by the Goths in the 3rd century. Develtos was besieged by Khan Krum in 812 CE, leading to its destruction and subsequent occupation by the Bulgarians. It was later restored to the Roman Empire and experienced fluctuating control before its decline and eventual conquest by the Ottoman Empire in 1396 CE.