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Trebizond is the greatest city of Pontos, the coastal region at the south shore of the Black Sea. The city, important ecclesiastical centre from the 3rd c. already, was rebuilt by Justinian -the emperor restored the fortification system of the city and added an aqueduct to it- and flourished, after a brief period under Turkish occupation starting in 1071. Between 1204 and 1461 as the capital of the empire it arose after the Latin conquest of Constantinople. During the period Trebizond prospered as a key sea-port on the route to Anatolia witnessing a flurry of artistic activity. The fortifications of the city (outer walls, inner walls with moats and towers), which demonstrate eight phases of construction, were extensively rebuilt in the 13th c. by Alexios II Komnenos who added a new enceinte. They were strengthened again in 1378. The citadel on the top of a steep hill encompassed the imperial palace and government offices. |
