Great! I will prepare an easy-to-read, interesting and prominent article about the historical artifacts found in Amasra, the historical use of Amasra coins and the states that this use is related to, and the general historical importance of Amasra. I will touch on all periods.

I'm starting the research, I'll present it to you as soon as I can!

Amasra Historical Artifacts, Coins and Historical Importance

(File:Amasra.JPG - Wikimedia Commons) Amasra is a port city on the Black Sea coast, famous for its two natural bays, historical castle and unique landscape.

Amasrais today a charming district of Bartın province and has carried the traces of different civilizations throughout history. The city, which fascinated even Mehmet the Conqueror with its natural beauty, was recognized by the Ottoman sultan. "Çeşm-i Cihan" (the eye of the world) (Fatih Sultan Mehmet's "Çeşm-i Cihan" Amasra... - Zonguldak News - Breaking News). From ancient times to the Ottoman period, Amasra has always maintained its importance with its ancient artifacts, coins and strategic location. In this article, the main historical artifacts found in Amasra, the use of coins in the city in various periods and the civilizations to which these coins belong will be discussed.

Amasra in Antiquity (Sesamos and Amastris)

The oldest known name of Amasra Sesamos'is. Homer's Iliad In the epic, the city of Sesamos is mentioned among the forces coming from the Paflagonian region in the Trojan War (The Importance of School in Girls' Education in the Ottoman Empire (1839-1920) Songül KEÇECİ KURT - Suat POLAT). This information indicates that Amasra entered the stage of history as early as 1200 BC (during the legendary period). Sesamos It is stated that the name comes from the sesame plant that grows around the city and means "land of sesame" (Fatih Sultan Mehmet's "Çeşm-i Cihan" Amasra... - Zonguldak News - Breaking News). Sesamos, which gained importance as a commercial port city in the region since the 6th century BC during the Ionian colonies, continued its existence during and after the Persian domination.

During the Hellenistic period, Amasra experienced the most interesting pages of its history. After the conquests of Alexander the Great, the Persian nobility Princess Amastrisgained power in the region through political marriages. Around 300 BC, princess Amastris brought together small settlements and named them after herself. amastris founded the city (Coins of the Ancient City of Amastris | Agesilaos Ancient Coins Numismatics). This is a rare example of a woman in antiquity founding a city named after herself. Moreover, the queen Amastris, the first female ruler in history to have a coin issued in her name is known as (Coins of the Ancient City of Amastris | Agesilaos Ancient Coins Numismatics). The silver coins minted by Amastris were inscribed in Greek "Basilissēs Amastrios" (belonging to Queen Amastris) and a portrait of a young woman on the obverse (Amastris - Encyclopedia of World History) (Amastris - Encyclopedia of World History). The coins minted during this period can be seen as symbols of Amastris' power and heritage.

(Coins of the Ancient City of Amastris | Agesilaos Ancient Coins Numismatics) An Amasra coin minted in the 4th century BC under the name "Sesamos"; the obverse depicts Zeus wearing a laurel crown and the reverse depicts Demeter with a crown on her head (Coins of the Ancient City of Amastris | Agesilaos Ancient Coins Numismatics). These early coin designs reflect the city's cultural ties to Greek mythology.

The archaeological heritage of ancient Amasra is also felt in the ruins that have survived to the present day. Some temple foundations and architectural fragments dating to the Hellenistic period indicate the vitality of the city at that time. In particular, the rescue excavations carried out in 2017, which are thought to have pre-Roman foundations agora (bazaar square) area reveals that Amasra was an important trade center of the region from the early period (Ancient city in Amasra under excavation | Daily Sabah ). The statues and altars from the Hellenistic period exhibited in the Amasra Museum give clues about the religious and cultural life of the city in ancient times.

Amasra in Roman Period

Region in the 1st century BC, Roman Empire dominated by the Pontic Kingdom. Amasra, which was in the hands of the Pontus Kingdom, was captured by the Roman commander Lucullus in 70 BC (Amasra - Wikipedia). Amasra in Roman times (Latin amastris), the empire's Paphlagonia continued its development as an important port city and trade center of the province. The famous Roman writer Pliny the Younger wrote about Amasra in a letter to Emperor Trajan. "elegant and beautiful" and states that he sought the emperor's permission to cover an open canal that ran through the center of the city and emitted a foul odor (Amasra - Wikipedia) (Fatih Sultan Mehmet's "Çeşm-i Cihan" Amasra... - Zonguldak News - Breaking News). This anecdote shows that the city's construction activities were also given importance during the Roman period. As a matter of fact, on a city coin from the time of Trajan, Amasra's Metropolis (capital city) is known to bear the title (Amasra - Wikipedia), proving the city's regional prominence.

During the Roman Empire, the face of Amasra was enriched with monumental buildings. unearthed during excavations in the 2020s stoa (columned gallery)reveals the architectural splendor of the city in Roman times (The ancient city founded by Queen Amastris is rising again). This structure, whose marble columns reach 9 meters in height, served as a magnificent gallery surrounding the central square (agora) of the city. Experts believe that the remains of this stoa in Amasra is one of the most important stoas ever unearthed in the Black Sea Region. the most monumental marble structure emphasizing that, despite being a small port city, Amasra reached an architectural level that emulated the great Mediterranean cities such as Ephesus or Side (The ancient city founded by Queen Amastris is rising again).

One of the most interesting artifacts from the Roman period in Amasra Kuskayasi Road Monumentis. This monument is located close to the city center, carved into the rocks on the side of the mountain road, AD 41-54 It was built by Gaius Julius Aquila, governor of the province of Bithynia et Pontus (during the reign of Emperor Claudius) (Amasra - Wikipedia). The Kuşkayası Monument, which was built as an accommodation point on the military road route, includes a niche, an eagle figure and an inscription carved on the surface of the rock. This monument is an indication of the importance that Rome attached to transportation and military infrastructure in the region, and is a unique road monument that is rare in Turkey.

When we look at the history of money, with the Roman rule Roman coins It was put into circulation in Amasra. Gold, the standard of the empire aureus, silver denarius and bronze sestertius such coins were used in the region. However, the city of Amasra continued to mint coins during the Roman period to emphasize its local identity. Especially Antonines and Severuses In some city coins of the period, we see the efforts of the people of Amasra to glorify the city in a mythical way. A remarkable example is the bardic inscriptions on the coins of Amasra. The portrait of Homer scraping and "Homer of Amastris" is the addition of the phrase (The Importance of School in Girls' Education in the Ottoman Empire (1839-1920) Songül KEÇECİ KURT - Suat POLAT). Through these coins, the people of Amasra claimed that the famous epic writer Homer was born in their city and thus tried to increase the cultural prestige of the city (The Importance of School in Girls' Education in the Ottoman Empire (1839-1920) Songül KEÇECİ KURT - Suat POLAT). Since being the birthplace of Homer was an honor held by many ancient cities, Amasra wanted to place itself in a unique position by using this motif on its coins.

Amasra in the Byzantine Period

Amasra after the Roman Empire was divided into two, Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire territory. During the early Byzantine period, the city maintained its importance and became a bishopric; by the 9th century, the Diocese of Amasra had risen to the top of the religious hierarchy in the region. During the Byzantine period, the city's acropolis was fortified into an inner fortress and a church was built here, which still stands today (Amasra - Wikipedia). This church was rebuilt after the conquest. Fatih MosqueAmasra Castle and continues its existence within Amasra Castle. This work of Byzantine architecture sheds light on the religious life of the city in the early Middle Ages.

Amasra was also subjected to external attacks from time to time during Byzantine rule. Especially in the 9th century Russian (Varangian) raids during which the city was pillaged (Castles.nl - Amasra Castle). These Viking raiders, who reached the Black Sea coast, sacked Amasra in the 830s and destroyed the region. Despite this, the city recovered and largely regained its economic prosperity towards the 10th century (Amasra - Wikipedia). Byzantine historians state that in the 9th century Amasra had a vibrant economy based on crafts, trade and agriculture and was considered one of the most prosperous ports on the Black Sea coast (Amasra - Wikipedia).

During the Middle Byzantine period, Amasra was able to change hands when the central authority was weakened. In 1204, when Constantinople fell to the Latins after the Fourth Crusade, Trabzon EmpireKomnenos family, one of the founders of the Ottoman Empire, dominated the region. As a matter of fact, in 1204 David Komnenos Georgian-Trabzonian forces under the leadership of Amasra captured Amasra and annexed it to the Empire of Trabzon (Castles.nl - Amasra Castle). However, this situation did not last long; within a few years the city Anatolian Seljuks's control for a short time and then returned to Byzantium (Castles.nl - Amasra Castle). These fluctuations show the strategic value of Amasra on the Black Sea trade routes.

The currency used in Amasra during the Byzantine period was the same as that used throughout the empire. gold solidus and then histamenone/nomisma Byzantine coins, such as the Byzantine coins. Local minting of coins largely ceased, and the coins in circulation came from mints based in Constantinople. Archaeological finds in Amasra include Byzantine bronze follis and copper coins, reflecting the city's integration into the Byzantine trading system. Today, the Amasra Museum exhibits Byzantine cross necklaces, oil lamps, ceramics and coins, thus presenting Byzantine traces in daily life (Amasra Museum | Turkish Archaeological News) (Amasra Museum | Turkish Archaeological News).

Amasra in the Genoese Period

13. Amasra in the second half of the century, Genoese RepublicIt was an important colony that came under the control of Genoa in line with its interests in the Black Sea. In 1261, thanks to the Treaty of Nymphaion signed with Byzantium, the Genoese gained a monopoly in the Black Sea trade and in the same year By renting Amasra from Byzantium established their governance (Fatih Sultan Mehmet's "Çeşm-i Cihan" Amasra... - İmza Gazetesi) (The most beautiful address a road can lead to.... Fatih Sultan Mehmet's ...). From this date, Amasra remained under Genoese influence for nearly two centuries. The city was rebuilt by the Italians Samastro and formed a commercial network with the Genoese colonies of Kefe (Feodosia), Sinop and Trabzon on the Black Sea. During the Genoese period, Amasra became a lively port where silk, spices, timber and even slaves were traded.

The Genoese carried out important construction activities to strengthen the defense and ports of Amasra. Amasra CastleMost of the existing fortifications were renovated or rebuilt during this period. In addition to the fortifications rising on ancient and Byzantine foundations, the main entrance gates on the land side of the castle and the front wall (perdahane) were built in the 14th-15th centuries in the Genoese architectural style (Amasra - Wikipedia). It is possible to see Genoese coats of arms and inscriptions on the castle walls. Especially Dungeon Castle (inner castle) and Boztepe island Sormagir Castlewere interconnected in the Genoese period. Kemere Bridge to form a holistic defense system (Castles.nl - Amasra Castle) (Castles.nl - Amasra Castle). One of the Latin inscriptions that the Genoese had placed to fortify the castle shows that a section of the walls "Nicolo Zaccaria" period, indicating that the rulers of Amasra were appointed from Genoese noble families.

Commercially, during the Genoese period in Amasra Coins of Mediterranean origin was in circulation. The Genoese Republic had its own currency Genovino d'oro (Genoese gold) and silver denaro coins in their colonies. In Amasra, these Genoese coins, as well as the coins of other Italian city-states (e.g. the Venetian ducat), were widely traded. Genoese coins recovered during the excavations show that gold coins, especially 14th century Florentine florins and Venetian ducats, were in circulation in Amasra. This is a reflection of the role the city played in international trade. Today, coins and trade seals from the Genoese period occupy an important place in the collection of the Amasra Museum and give visitors an insight into medieval Black Sea trade.

Amasra in the Ottoman Period

15. By the mid-century, Amasra was still under Genoese rule, but it was one of the targets of the Ottoman Empire's strategy to turn the Black Sea into an inland sea. Fatih Sultan MehmetAfter the conquest of Constantinople, he turned to the Black Sea coast and targeted the Genoese colonies. In October 1460, Fatih arrived in front of Amasra by land and sea and besieged the city (History of Amasra). Captivated by the natural beauty and strategic location of the city, Fatih, "Lala, lala! Is this the Çeşm-i cihan?" It is rumored that he expressed his admiration and said that he did not want to destroy such a beautiful city by war (Fatih Sultan Mehmet's "Çeşm-i Cihan" Amasra... - Zonguldak News - Breaking News). Thereupon, he sent an envoy to the castle and demanded to receive the key to the city, and the Genoese commander in Amasra surrendered the castle without bloodshed. Thus October 17, 1460 Amasra was annexed to the Ottoman Empire without a single battle. The day Fatih conquered Amasra, there are still Peace Day and this event is remembered as an example of a peaceful conquest (Fatih Sultan Mehmet's "Çeşm-i Cihan" Amasra... - Zonguldak News - Breaking News) (Fatih Sultan Mehmet's "Çeşm-i Cihan" Amasra... - Zonguldak News - Breaking News).

Under Ottoman rule, Amasra initially maintained its military and commercial importance, but over time it became a quiet sanjak center. Mehmet the Conqueror fortified the castle after the conquest and placed a garrison inside, and organized religious life by converting the Byzantine church into a mosque (Castles.nl - Amasra Castle). During the Ottoman period, Amasra Castle became one of the Black Sea's guard posts against enemy attacks, with cannons placed inside (today, examples of these Ottoman bronze cannons are exhibited in the museum garden (Amasra Museum | Turkish Archaeological News)) coastal security has been ensured.

Economically, the Ottoman period witnessed Amasra's continuation as a regional port. Although the volume of trade declined compared to the Genoese period, maritime trade continued, especially with ports on the northern Black Sea, such as Crimea and Akkerman, and with Constantinople. The Ottoman monetary system was fully adopted in Amasra; akçe It was used in the city as the basic silver currency of the Ottoman Empire, followed by gold in the following centuries. sikke-i hasene (sultani) and Mughal Copper coins, such as copper coins, also entered circulation. Since Amasra did not have a small mint until the 17th century, the coins used were usually minted in the mints of Istanbul, Üsküdar or Chios. Nevertheless, many coins from the Ottoman period have been found during excavations. Among these coins, coins from the reigns of Mehmet the Conqueror, Bayezid II and Suleiman the Magnificent are evidence of Amasra's integration into the Ottoman trading system after the conquest.

During the Ottoman period, the demography of Amasra also changed; while some of the Genoese and Greek population was transferred to places like Istanbul and Gallipoli, the Turkish population was brought from the Anatolian interior and settled. When Evliya Çelebi visited Amasra in the 17th century, he wrote that there were about 50 guard houses, a mosque, a bathhouse and a bazaar inside the castle and introduced Amasra as a small but charming town. However, with the change in trade routes and the loss of importance of the port in the following periods, Amasra stagnated economically and evolved into a quiet coastal town dealing mostly with regional fishing and agriculture.

Historical Importance and Heritage of Amasra

Amasra, Nearly 3000 years of uninterrupted settlement history is almost a living open-air museum of the Black Sea. This city, which has traces of every period from Antiquity to the Ottoman Empire, has been the meeting point of different civilizations. Thanks to its strategic location, it is both a trade base and a military fortress function, Amasra has played a role in every stage of history. Pliny's "elegant and beautiful" that the Genoese called "flowery castle" that he referred to as "Çeşm-i Cihan" Amasra (Fatih Sultan Mehmet's "Çeşm-i Cihan" Amasra... - Zonguldak News - Breaking News), has fascinated travelers and rulers of all eras.

Today, it is possible to see Roman, Byzantine, Genoese and Ottoman touches on the walls of Amasra Castle at the same time. A Genoese inscription in Latin on one corner of the castle, an Ottoman monogram on the other corner, a block stone from the ancient period by the sea... All these elements concretely reveal the multi-layered history of Amasra. Amasra MuseumThe museum presents this heritage to visitors with excavated sculptures, sarcophagi, inscriptions, everyday objects and a large collection of coins. Exhibited in the museum garden Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Genoese and Ottoman periods stone artifacts include large jars (pithoi), amphorae, column capitals, inscriptions and cannon roses (Amasra Museum | Turkish Archaeological News). This rich collection is the best evidence of Amasra's historical importance and cultural continuity.

Amasra's historical significance is not only in the past; the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Tentative Listand efforts are underway to enter the permanent list (Amasra Castle (2025) - All You Need to Know BEFORE ... - Tripadvisor). In particular Amasra CastleThe city is preserved for its universal value as part of the network of Genoese trading colonies stretching from the Mediterranean to the Black Sea. Ongoing archaeological excavations bring new finds to light every year, such as the recently restored Roman stoa, adding to the city's touristic appeal (The ancient city founded by Queen Amastris is rising again) (The ancient city founded by Queen Amastris is rising again).

As a result, Amasra; the ancient world SesamosAmasra is a unique historical treasure blended with the coins immortalizing the name of Queen Amastris, the magnificent structures of Rome, the solid walls of Byzantium, the commercial wealth of Genoese and the cultural heritage of the Ottoman Empire. This rich heritage combined with its natural beauty makes Amasra not only a tourist destination but also a living city that witnesses history. This jewel of the Black Sea continues to generously offer all the colors of the past to today's visitors.

Sources:

1. Information about the Ancient City of Amastris and Queen Amastris - Agesilaos Ancient Coins Numismatics (Coins of the Ancient City of Amastris | Agesilaos Ancient Coins Numismatics) (Coins of the Ancient City of Amastris | Agesilaos Ancient Coins Numismatics)
2. Fatma Bağdatlı Çam, information from the article "Homer of Amastris" - Bartın University Archaeology Department (The Importance of School in Girls' Education in the Ottoman Empire (1839-1920) Songül KEÇECİ KURT - Suat POLAT) (The Importance of School in Girls' Education in the Ottoman Empire (1839-1920) Songül KEÇECİ KURT - Suat POLAT)
3. Wikipedia (English) - Amasra article (History and information about the castle) (Amasra - Wikipedia) (Amasra - Wikipedia)
4. Anadolu Agency (AA) news, 23.11.2024 - Excavation and restoration works in Amasra (The ancient city founded by Queen Amastris is rising again) (The ancient city founded by Queen Amastris is rising again)
5. Aybüke Ünal, "Fatih Sultan Mehmet's 'Çeşm-i Cihan' Amasra" - Signature Newspaper, 17.10.2023 (Fatih Sultan Mehmet's "Çeşm-i Cihan" Amasra... - Zonguldak News - Breaking News) (Fatih Sultan Mehmet's "Çeşm-i Cihan" Amasra... - Zonguldak News - Breaking News)
6. Daily Sabah news website, 11.08.2017 - Ancient city excavations and history in Amasra (Ancient city in Amasra under excavation | Daily Sabah ) (Ancient city in Amasra under excavation | Daily Sabah )
7. Amasra Museum information - Turkish Archaeological News (Amasra Museum | Turkish Archaeological News) (Amasra Museum | Turkish Archaeological News)