Place and role of the islands of the west coast of Asia Minor in the history and economy of the Northern Black Sea and the Mediterranean in ancient times

The article is devoted to history of economic and cultural relations of the islands of the western coast of Asia Minor with other regions of the Mediterranean and Black sea coast. The isolation of the islands and the richness of their depths made Chios, Samos, Kos, Lesbos and other islands as centers of export of goods and minerals. There were produced and exported to Northern Black Sea coast region primarily wine and ceramics, to all Mediterranean – marble and various types of clay, livestock products, mastic. The well-being of the island’s inhabitants was shaped by the favorable climate and the presence of powerful religious and educational centers. Archeological excavations in the Northern Black Sea region show a strong evidence of long-term and mutually beneficial trade between two regions. Moreover, amphorae are found even in the Scythian mounds, which indicates the demand for similar products or amphorae in barbaric environments. The islands were also shipyards and customs offices, which also reflected on their status. The wealth of the inhabitants of the islands caused them some independence in the political turmoil of I century B. C. – I century A. D. Instead, on time of Augustus the islands, especially Samos, Chios and Kos, to become powerful recreational centers

Ancient history · Archaeology · Art · Black sea · Geography · Humanities · Mediterranean climate · Mediterranean sea · West coast · Archaeology and Historical Studies · History · Marine and environmental studies · Geology · Oceanography

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