Heraclea Pontica

Heraclea Pontica pŏnˈtĭkə [key], ancient Greek city, a port on the southern shore of the Black Sea. Founded in the 6th cent. b.c. by colonists from Megara and Boeotia, it rose to a position of great prominence, controlling much of the coast and sending out colonies. It was at its height in the 4th cent. b.c. but was hindered by the rise of Bithynia also in Asia Minor. It was destroyed by the Romans in the wars against Mithradates VI of Pontus. Modern Ereğli, Turkey, is on the site.

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