Bosporan Kingdom facts for kids
The Bosporan Kingdom was an ancient empire. It was located in the Crimea and along the northern coast of the Black Sea. People often called it the Kingdom of the Cimmerian Bosporus. It is known as the first true 'Hellenistic' country that also spoke Greek.
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A Long-Lasting Kingdom
The Bosporan Kingdom was a very old and long-lasting state. It was a 'client state' of the Roman Empire. This means it was an allied country that had some independence but was influenced by Rome.
For a short time, between 63 and 68 AD, it even became a Roman Province. This happened when the Roman Emperor Nero was in charge.
A Golden Age
The 1st and 2nd centuries AD were a special time for the Bosporan Kingdom. It was like a new 'golden age'. The kingdom became very famous for its beautiful jewellery.
Towards the end of the 2nd century, a king named Sauromates II won an important victory. He defeated the Scythians, who were a nomadic tribe. After this win, he added all the lands of the Crimea to his kingdom.
How the Kingdom Became Rich
The Bosporan Kingdom grew wealthy by trading with other parts of Europe. They sold things like wheat (for bread), fish, and people who worked for them.
Because of this wealth, many amazing and rich treasures have been found from the kingdom. These treasures are often discovered in ancient burial mounds called kurgans.
Today, you can still see many old buildings and sculptures from the Bosporan Kingdom. Many of the treasures found there are now in the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia. These include beautiful gold items and vases. Some of these vases were brought all the way from Ancient Athens and other parts of Ancient Greece.
The End of the Kingdom
The Bosporan Kingdom finally came to an end in the late 4th century AD. It was destroyed by the Goths, who were barbarian tribes.
Images for kids
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Sindian warrior, a common soldier in both armies.
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A pottery vessel shaped like Aphrodite in a shell. It was found in the Phanagoria cemetery in the Taman Peninsula. This piece is from the 4th century BC and is now in the Hermitage Museum.
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A Bosporan Phiale (a type of shallow bowl used for pouring drinks) from the 4th century BC.
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The northern Black Sea shores of the Pontic Kingdom, including Crimea and the Kerch peninsula. This map shows them as part of the empire of Mithridates VI of Pontus.
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The stele of Staphhilos from Panticapaeum. It shows a soldier with the traditional long hair and beard of the Bosporan people.
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A stele (stone slab) showing two Hellenistic soldiers from the Bosporan Kingdom. It was found in the Taman peninsula and dates to the 4th century BC. It is now in the Pushkin Museum.
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A bronze coin of Sauromates II, who ruled around 172–211 AD.
See also
In Spanish: Reino del Bósforo para niños
