Hesperia: The Journal of the American School of Classical Studies at Athens

Abstract:

This article presents the currently available literary and archaeological evidence for the sanctuary of Hieron at the mouth of the Black Sea, including the previously unpublished record of its only known excavation. Analyzing the evidence in separate topographical, historical, and archaeological sections, with a map and photographs, the author provides the most complete description of Hieron to date, shows how the entrance to the Black Sea was perceived in spatial and religious terms, and encourages future archaeological exploration that could increase our understanding of ancient trade and settlement in the Black Sea region.