BOSPORUS STRAIT (strait in Byzantium and the Propontis)
Narrow strait in northwestern Turkey
- Kind of place
- Strait
- Region
- Byzantium and the Propontis
- Where
- 41.12° N, 29.08° E
The Thracian Bosporus is a narrow strait that separates Europe from Asia. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 4.24 ¶1 The strait is named after Io, who crossed it during her wanderings. Apollodorus 2.1.3 The Bosphorus is located on the banks of the Euxine Sea and connects it with the Propontis. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 9.20 ¶1
Described in the sources
The strait is only half a mile wide at the location where Darius crossed. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 4.24 ¶1 +1 Chalcedon is situated upon the Thracian Bosporus. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 5.43 ¶1 The Thracian Bosporus marks the termination of Asia. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 5.43 ¶2 The rock is visible from the sea bottom up to the surface. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 9.20 ¶1 The people living on the Bosphorus are subject to Roman rule. Strabo 6.4.2 part 3 Multiple suns were reportedly visible in the Bosphorus at noon. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 2.31 ¶1 The distance from Chalcedon to the strait is twelve and a half miles. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 5.43 ¶2 A remarkably white rock is situated near Chalcedon on its Asiatic side. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 9.20 ¶1 The Cimmerians ravaged the region extending from the Bosphorus to Ionia. Strabo 1.1.10 The Cimmerians lived in northern and dismal territories near the Bosphorus. Strabo 3.2.12
Stories and history
Darius ordered the construction of a bridge across the Thracian Bosporus to create a highway for crossing to attack the Scythians. Herodotus 4.83.1 +1 The strait has a breadth of four stadia. Strabo 2.5.23 The multiple suns in the Bosphorus lasted from morning until sunset. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 2.31 ¶1 Io crossed the strait after traversing Mount Haemus and traveling through Illyria. Apollodorus 2.1.3 The climate around the Bosphorus is considered inferior to that of Amisus and Sinope. Strabo 2.1.16 The pearls discovered near this strait were characterized by their red color and small size. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 9.56 ¶2 Vines in the region near the Bosphorus produce exceedingly small grapes and are covered up throughout the winter months. Strabo 2.1.16