Dobrogea Sites - Callatis (Mangalia)

The ancient Greek seamen and merchants founded, more than 2500 years ago, several colonies on the shores of Pontus Euxinus, one of which was Callatis (or Kallatis meaning "the beautiful") - today's city of Mangalia (the other important Greek colonies were Histria and Tomis).

The ancient settlement thrived, both in economy and art, facts proven by the archaeological discoveries: fine glass objects, burned clay statues covered with gold (Tanagras), marble statues and monuments.

The second development period was during the Roman domination (beginning of the 1st century AD). As other great Roman cities, Callatis had artistic institutions, scholars and famous artists. From this period dates the "The tomb with the papyrus" (at the entrance of the main city park was found a stone sarcophagus with a skeleton having besides a papyrus).

As is the case of other Greek-Roman settlements from the Black Sea shores, the migratory peoples have stopped the development of Callatis. Only in the 12 century, on the place of the ancient flourishing fortress, was mentioned a small settlement with a port.The name of Mangalia appears in documents and maps only beginning with the 14th century.

Nowadays, although some parts of the ancient city were discovered and most of its artifacts can be seen in the museums (especially the Callatis Museum), the ancient port lies underwater and awaits discovery (research is underway).

Some photos can be seen here, some info (but only in romanian) and movies here while the Google map is here (centered on the museum). Below some old photos taken from an old book.