Ancient City of Amastris

Amastris Ancient City is an ancient settlement located within the boundaries of the Amasra district of Bartın Province, on the coast of the Black Sea. In ancient sources, the city was first mentioned as Sesamos; it was reorganized during the Hellenistic Period and took the name Amastris. The settlement continued during the Roman period and was subsequently used by various civilizations.

Amastris Ancient City Excavation Area (Bartın University, Amasra Research and Application Center)

Historical Development

Amastris is a multi-layered ancient city with evidence of settlement dating back to the 7th century BCE. During the Hellenistic Period, the urban fabric was restructured, and under Roman rule it acquired the status of a regional center. Settlement continuity at the ancient city persisted through the Byzantine Genoese and Ottoman periods.

Archaeological Research

Archaeological investigations at Amastris Ancient City were initiated following the discovery of remains during construction activities in the Kum neighborhood. The excavations have been conducted under the direction of the Amasra Museum Directorate and were granted scientific excavation status in 2024 by a presidential decree. The excavations aim to document and evaluate architectural remains from different areas of the city.

Remains of the Ancient Theatre

Remains believed to belong to an ancient theatre are located within the boundaries of Amastris Ancient City. However, no definitive information exists regarding the architectural features, capacity, or original plan of the structure. The surviving evidence is limited to fragments indicating only the theatre’s existence. Consequently, the theatre structure is assessed alongside other public buildings of the ancient city, and no detailed reconstruction proposal has been put forward.

Current Condition

A large portion of Amastris Ancient City remains buried beneath the ground. Architectural traces from various historical periods are present within the city area and are being evaluated as part of ongoing archaeological research. The ancient city holds a significant place within Amasra’s cultural heritage.