Pontic Olbia

Pontic Olbia, located on the shores of the Southern Bug estuary in Ukraine, was a significant ancient Greek city founded by colonists from Miletus in the 7th century BCE. The site covered fifty hectares and featured a fortified town with defensive walls and towers. It served as a major emporium for trading cereals, fish, and slaves between Greece and Scythia. The city included an agora, upper and lower towns, and a harbor. Olbia was known for its unique cast bronze coins and religious sites, including a temple to Apollo Delphinios. Despite facing destruction by the Getae and subsequent restoration by the Romans, the city was eventually abandoned in the 4th century CE during the Gothic Wars. Today, it stands as a protected archaeological preserve, offering rich insights into ancient Greek civilization.