"The Rugged Jaw of The Sea": A Coastal Settlement of Salmydessos in Eastern Thrace

Kıyıköy, located in the Vize district of Kırklareli and lying east of the Istranca (Yıldız) Mountains, holds an important position between the Balkans and Anatolia within Thrace. Thrakia, which took its name from the Thracians in ancient times, became a Roman province under the name Provincia Thracia in 46 AD during the reign of Emperor Claudius. Although historical data on the region is limited, ancient sources indicate that the earliest name of the settlement was most likely Salmedessos or Salmydessos. Strabo states that the area where Salmydessos was named after the Thracian tribe known as the Thyns, and the area became known as Thynia—possibly corresponding to present-day İğneada. Although the exact location of the settlement known as Salmydessos in early sources remains uncertain, it is thought to have been situated near the fortified city later known as Midye. Some sources suggest that the boundaries of this settlement may have extended as far as present-day İğneada. In order to determine whether the Salmydessos settlement was indeed located near Kıyıköy, archaeological surveys are planned for the region in 2025-2026. According to ancient sources, Salmydessos was initially a Thracian settlement and later became a Greek colony. It was destroyed by the Goths during Late Antiquity. Following its destruction, another settlement was established in the area, of which the ruins are still visible today. Byzantine sources refer to this later settlement as Medeia or Midye. It is believed that the settlement was founded on a hill extending toward the sea, situated between the mouths of the ancient Plesios (Pabuç Dere) and Levis (Kazan Dere) rivers. While it may not have offered a particularly safe harbour for ships, it is reasonable to assume that these rivers provided protection for ancient vessels capable of sailing a short distance upstream.