Niconium, Ancient Greek archaeological site near Roksolany, Ukraine.
Niconium is an ancient Greek settlement site on the Dniester estuary that spreads across several hectares on a plateau. The lower part of the former city now lies underwater, while higher areas still show visible remains.
Colonists from Miletus founded this settlement in the 6th century BCE at the Dniester estuary as an eastern counterpart to their earlier colony at Tyras. The founding was part of the broader Greek expansion into the northern Black Sea region.
The site shows traces of trade and exchange between Greek settlers and the Scythians who lived in this region. The discovered objects tell stories of people who had contact across great distances.
Visitors reach the site through the modern village of Roksolany in the Ovidiopol district, located to the southeast of the ancient remains. The terrain is uneven and muddy in places, so sturdy footwear and caution are needed when exploring.
Archaeologists found coins bearing the name of Scythian king Skyles, pointing to a local mint operating under his rule. These discoveries show that the city also held importance for the Scythian population.
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