Histria, Archaeological site in Dobruja, Romania
Histria is an ancient Greek city whose ruins spread across a large site on the western shore of Lake Sinoe, revealing old streets and building foundations from different periods. An on-site museum preserves numerous finds including coins, pottery, sculptures, and architectural pieces that document settlement over the centuries.
Colonists from Miletus founded this settlement in the 7th century BC, establishing the earliest known urban settlement in present-day Romania. The community flourished for many centuries, shaping the region until its eventual decline.
Temples dedicated to Apollo, Zeus, and Aphrodite stand among the ruins, showing how deeply Greek religious beliefs were woven into daily life here. Visitors can sense the spiritual importance these sanctuaries held for the community.
The site sits surrounded by the lake and open landscape, giving visitors room to explore scattered ruins at a comfortable pace. It is wise to allow enough time to see the various excavation areas and visit the museum.
The city minted its own silver drachmas around 480 BC, marking an important milestone in regional currency production. These early coins reveal that the community was economically organized and connected to other trading cities.
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