DIOSCURIAS (city in Colchis)
Ancient city of Pontus, near modern Sokhumi
- Kind of place
- City
- Region
- Colchis
- Landmarks
- Common Mart Strabo 11.2.16
- Where
- 42.99° N, 41.00° E
Dioscurias is located in the narrow recess at the most easterly point of the Euxine Sea. Strabo 11.2.16 It serves as a common market for nearby nations. Strabo 11.2.16 The area lies at the foot of the Caucasus mountains, where people from the region gather primarily to obtain salt. Strabo 11.2.14
Described in the sources
Dioscurias is situated 3000 stadia farther east than the Bay of Issus. Strabo 1.3.2 +1 It is called the recess of the Euxine Sea. Strabo 11.2.16 The city is situated on the coast of Colchis. Strabo 11.2.14 Various nations gather together at this location. Strabo 11.2.19 The river Charis flows near the city of Dioscurias. Strabo 11.2.18 Trapezus is located immediately next to Dioscurias. Strabo 11.2.14 It is considered the extreme boundary of navigation. Strabo 11.2.16 Dioscurias is located 360 stadia from the Great Pityus. Strabo 11.2.14 Dioscurias is located 600 stadia from the Phasis river. Strabo 2.1.39 The journey from Dioscurias to Mount Caspius takes five days. Strabo 2.1.39
Stories and history
The assembled nations speak different languages due to their dispersed and savage manners. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 6.5 ¶1 +1 Some authors claim Amphitus and Telchius built the city. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 6.5 ¶1 Seventy nations, or three hundred according to some, assemble there. Strabo 11.2.16 The nations assembling there are chiefly Sarmatians and Caucasian tribes. Strabo 11.2.16 The city was deserted at the time of writing but had previously been famous. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 6.5 ¶1 One hundred and thirty interpreters were employed there in later times for business transactions. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 6.5 ¶1