Pantikapaion

Pantikapaion, located on the eastern shore of Crimea, was an ancient Greek city founded by Milesians in the late 7th or early 6th century BCE. Situated on Mount Mithridat, the city was a thriving hub of Greek culture and trade, known for its distinctive pottery styles such as Kerch ware. The city minted its own silver, gold, and bronze coins, reflecting its economic significance in the region. Governed by the Archaeanactids and later the Spartocids, Pantikapaion experienced a decline due to external pressures from the Sarmatians and competition from other grain-producing regions. The city played a pivotal role in the region's political dynamics, eventually falling under the influence of Mithridates VI. Despite its decline, the archaeological remains of Pantikapaion provide valuable insights into the ancient Greek world's urban, economic, and cultural practices.