How is the Black Sea connected to the legend of Jason and the Argonauts?

In Greek mythology, the Black Sea—historically known as the Euxine Sea—served as the primary setting for the legendary voyage of Jason and the Argonauts.12

The connection is rooted in the quest for the Golden Fleece, which was kept in the kingdom of Colchis, located at the eastern end of the Black Sea in modern-day Georgia. To reach this destination, the Argonauts sailed across the sea, navigating treacherous obstacles such as the Symplegades, or "clashing rocks," at its entrance.312

In ancient times, this myth was often interpreted as a reflection of the historical expansion of Greek commerce and colonization into the Black Sea region. The sea was initially called Pontus Axeinus ("Inhospitable Sea") by the Greeks, but as they became more familiar with the area through such voyages and the establishment of colonies, they renamed it Pontus Euxinus, meaning "Hospitable Sea".12