Spartocid dynasty

ancient Greek history

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July 14, 2026

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The Spartocid dynasty ruled the ancient Greek state of the Kingdom of the Bosporus from 438 to 110 bc. This kingdom was located on the Kerch Strait in present-day Ukraine and reached its peak power in the 4th century bc. The Spartocids annexed other Greek colonies to their major city, Panticapaeum, and managed trade in grain, fish, and slaves, which led to prosperity. They also suppressed piracy in the Black Sea. Athenian influence was strong during this period, with Athens controlling local trade and remaining a key customer for the Bosporus' exports. The kingdom's decline began in the mid-3rd century bc.1

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Kingdom of the Bosporus
…(480–438 bc), then by the Spartocid dynasty (438–110 bc), which annexed to Panticapaeum other Greek colonies—e.g., Nymphaeum, which had been founded in the region in the 7th and 6th centuries. After the second half of the 5th century, Athenian influence was strong among the Bosporus cities; Athens controlled local trade…
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…(480–438 bc), then by the Spartocid dynasty (438–110 bc), which annexed to Panticapaeum other Greek colonies—e.g., Nymphaeum, which had been founded in the region in the 7th and 6th centuries. After the second half of the 5th century, Athenian influence was strong among the Bosporus cities; Athens controlled local trade…
Read More