TOMIS:

In the today’s perimeter of Constanta, there were discovered proofs of human existence from the Middle Paleolithic. The many archeological discoveries represent true revelations for the specialists and prove the human society evolution with changes and innovations from the old ages - Neolithic, Bronze, Iron - but, also local and original peculiarities of the native population, with Indo-European origin, the Thraco- Getae, the oldest inhabitants of this region.

These were the historical premises, written in one sentence, which had driven to the settlement of the antiques fortress Tomis - Constanta today - during the Greek colonization of the Pontus Euxinus area (7th-5th cent. BC) The Greeks, arrived here, have found a Getae native settlement. They have, first, founded an "emporion" that evolved till the Hellenistic period till the level of "polis" with all its attributions (4th-3rd cent. BC)

The importance of Tomis grew during 3rd and 1st cent. BC. In this period huge wealth are accumulated due to the economical development, based on the harbor activity and enables the town-planning flourishing of the city, after the model of the Millet fortress.

In the 1st cent. BC, on this territory, between the Lower Danube and the Black Sea, come the Romans. The Roman ruling (1st – 3rd cent. AC) modifies positively the geopolitical and economical status of the region, an economical and cultural growth is seen. Tomis is consolidated, the harbor become very active, the city knows a great town-planning activity. Here lived in exile, for 8 years, 8-17 AC) the poet Publius Ovidius Naso. 

	Map of ancient towns in Scythia Minor - Dacia Pontica  (see also the list of towns).
	Ruins of ancient Tomis fortress.
	Roman funeral stone - Tomis Archaeological Park.
	National History and Archaeology Museum - Constanta.
	Ovidius' statue, in front of the National History and Archaeology Museum of Constanta. The statue was created by Italian sculptor Ettore Ferrari in 1887 and has been duplicated in 1925 for Sulmona, Ovidius' birthplace. More about:  Publius Ovidius Naso.
	Roman sarcophagi.
	Ovidius's exile route from Rome to Tomis.
	In Tristia, book IV, Ovidius said: "I write, and read to myself – what else should I do? and my writing’s safe in its own self-criticism. Still I often say: ‘Who’s it for, this careful labour? Will Sarmatians and Getae read my writings?" After 2000 years, looking to several  books dedicated to Ovid, the answer is: Yes.
	Ovidius' works posters.
	Roman glass collection.
	Fresco from the roman painted tomb discovered at Tomis.
	Roman military diplomas.
	Amphoras from Tomis Marina.
	Head and statues of Aphrodite.
	Marble roman bust.
	Terracotta figurines.
	Aesculapius.
	Bronze figurines.
	Hecate depicted as triplicate goddess.
	General view of Lapidarium.
	Bust of Lucius Licinius Sura, senator, three times consul, general and close friend of Trajan. He participated in both Dacian wars and was one of the Hadrian protectors.
	General view of roman funeral stones museum area.
	Tomis protectors goddesses: Fortuna and Pontos - masterpiece of the Tomis museum collection.
	Glykon, snake god of family, house and guardian of temples - masterpiece of the museum collection.
	Romulus, Remus and the she-wolf.
	Thracian - Scythian granite statue representing a warrior. Around his neck he wears a necklace and carries a Thracian battle-axe, a Scythian dagger (akyanakes) on the right-hand side and a quiver (goryth)  on the left-hand side  (5th  Cent. BC).
	Terracotta: The Thracian Rider, Mercurius and Bacchus.
	Temple frieze, reproduction of the fight  between centaures and lapithes.
	Terra sigilata: Legio I Italica, Legio XI Claudia, Legio V Macedonica.
	The Three Graces.
	Terracotta: The Thracian Raider, Bacchus and Cybele.
	Bronze figurines.
	Bust of Antonius Pius.
	Greek and roman pottery.
	Roman statues.
	Helmet (mask) - front.
	Helmet (mask) - rear.
	Thracian parade helmet - right-side.
	Thracian parade helmet - front.
	Sword blade.
	Mycenaean sword blade.
	Tomis thesaurus: gold medallion.
	Tomis thesaurus: gold figurines and buttons.
	Tomis thesaurus: gold rings.
	Tomis thesaurus: gold jewelries and artifacts from a tomb discovered at Tomis.
	Tomis thesaurus: gold jewelries.
	"The Thinker and his companion" - masterpiece of museum collection - from Hamangia Culture - Late Neolithic period, 5000 BC.
	Paterae and oil lamp.
	Agriculture tools.
	Temple friezes.
	The National History and Archaeology Museum - left-side view, from the roman mosaic floored edifice terrace.
	Scale model of roman mosaic floored edifice.
	Inside the edifice - Arria Carina.
	Floor mosaic.
	The Roman edifice, the most precious architectural complex discovered, at Tomis. The floor of this edifice with thick and high walls is formed by colors mosaic pieces, the drawing representing geometrical and floral figures.  It seams that the building served for trade, being also a place for delivery and deposit (at the middle and underground levels were storehouses for goods and a little market place). Dimensions: - initially: 2000 sq. meters; actually: 800 sq. meters.
	Mosaic details.
	General view of mosaic.
	Roman mosaic edifice - entrance from the Tomis harbour side.

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