Constanta history

Foundation and Ancient History

The history of Constanta, one of the oldest cities in Romania, is rooted in deep antiquity. Around the 6th century BC, Greek colonists from Miletus founded a trading polis named Tomis on this site. The city was established for trade with local tribes and quickly became a vital point on the Black Sea coast. In 29 BC, the region was conquered by the Romans, and Tomis became part of the Roman Empire. It was here that the famous poet Ovid was exiled in 8 AD. The city received its current name later when it was renamed Constantiana in honour of Constantia, the half-sister of the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great.

Key Factors of Formation

The development of the city over the centuries was determined by several key factors:

• Strategic Location: Situated on the Black Sea coast, Constanta has always been a vital port. This ensured its central role in maritime trade, connecting the region with the Greek, Roman, and Byzantine worlds.
• Trade Routes: The city served as a gateway for the export of grain, timber, and other goods from the interior regions of Dacia and Moesia. Large commercial buildings and warehouses were constructed here during the Roman period.
• Political Influence: In different eras, the city was under the rule of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires, each leaving its mark on its architecture and culture. Under Emperor Diocletian, Tomis even became the capital of the Scythia Minor province.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the ancient period, Tomis was a thriving Hellenistic and subsequently Roman centre. Archaeological finds testify to a high level of development: the city had a forum, thermae (baths), an amphitheatre, and magnificent mosaic floors, the remains of which can still be seen today. The economy was firmly linked to the sea — shipping, fishing, and trade were the main occupations of the inhabitants. After its inclusion in Romania in 1878, a new stage of rapid development began, and Constanta transformed into the country's main seaport and a popular resort.

Key Milestones in the History of Constanta

The history of Constanta is a centuries-old chronicle reflecting the change of eras and cultures on the Black Sea coast. From an ancient Greek polis to the main port of modern Romania, the city has travelled a long and eventful path.

• 6th century BC — Greek colonists from Miletus found a trading polis named Tomis on this site.
• 29 BC — The Romans conquer the region, and Tomis becomes part of the Roman Empire, turning into an important provincial centre.
• 8 AD — The famous Roman poet Ovid is exiled to Tomis, where he spends the final years of his life.
• 4th century AD — The city is renamed Constantiana in honour of Constantia, the half-sister of Emperor Constantine the Great.
• 681 — Following the weakening of Byzantium, the city becomes part of the First Bulgarian Empire.
• 14th century — Constanta briefly comes under the rule of the Wallachian ruler Mircea the Elder, strengthening ties with the Romanian principalities.
• 1419 — The city is conquered by the Ottoman Empire and receives the name Kustendje (Küstence) for several centuries.
• 1878 — Following the War of Independence, Constanta, together with the Dobrogea region, officially becomes part of Romania, starting its modern development.
• 1896 — King Carol I lays the foundation stone for the new port, which would become the largest on the Black Sea in the future.
• 1910 — Construction is completed and the famous Casino opens, becoming the architectural symbol of the city.
• 1916–1918 — During World War I, the city is occupied by the Central Powers troops and subsequently liberated.
• 30 August 1944 — During World War II, Soviet troops enter the city without a fight.

Stages of Constanta's Development: From Antiquity to Modernity

The development of Constanta is a story of transformation, closely linked to its strategic position on the Black Sea. Each era has left its mark on the city's economy, culture, and architectural appearance.

• Union with Romania (1878): This year was a turning point in the city's modern history. After centuries of Ottoman rule, Constanta became part of Romania, which gave a powerful impulse to its development. The city was declared the country's main seaport, and its transformation into a popular European resort began.
• Construction of the Modern Port (1896–1909): On the initiative of King Carol I, the construction of large-scale port facilities began. This strengthened Constanta's status as a key trading hub on the Black Sea, through which Romanian grain and other goods were exported. Today, the Port of Constanta is one of the largest in Europe.
• "La Belle Époque" (Early 20th century): During this period, the city experienced a cultural and architectural flourishing. The famous Art Nouveau Casino building, which became the symbol of Constanta, was built, as well as luxurious hotels and villas. The city firmly established itself as a fashionable and aristocratic seaside resort.
• Roman Heritage and Urban Planning: In the Roman era, the city, then known as Tomis, was an important administrative and commercial centre. The Romans created a developed infrastructure here, including a forum, thermae, and trade warehouses. The remains of these structures, especially the impressive Roman mosaic, are still an important part of the city's historical heritage.
• The Socialist Period: After World War II, a phase of intensive industrialisation and urbanisation began in Constanta. Large shipyards, industrial enterprises, and new residential quarters for the growing population were built. This fundamentally changed the appearance of the city, turning it into a major industrial centre.
• Modern Stage (Post-1989): In recent decades, Constanta has been actively modernising. The historic centre is being reconstructed, port infrastructure is being updated, and the tourism sector is adapting to new conditions. The city continues to develop as a major logistics hub and Romania's leading Black Sea resort.

The architectural appearance of Constanta is a unique combination of styles reflecting its history of over 2,600 years. From ancient ruins to elegant "Belle Époque" buildings and monumental structures of the socialist period, the city represents a living chronicle of urban development on the Black Sea coast.

Antiquity and Byzantine Heritage

Founded as the Greek polis of Tomis, the city acquired a developed infrastructure during the Roman period. Archaeological finds indicate the presence of a forum, thermae (public baths), and market squares. The main monument of this era is the Roman Edifice with Mosaic — a vast 4th-century building with a floor laid with coloured mosaic covering an area of about 2,000 square metres, testifying to the city's prosperity and high status.

Ottoman Influence

The period of Ottoman rule (15th-19th centuries), when the city was called Kustendje, left its mark on the layout of the old town with its narrow streets. Although many buildings from that time have not survived, a notable monument is the Hunkar Mosque (1869). A later structure, but built with respect for Eastern traditions, the Great Mosque of Constanta (Carol I Mosque) (1910-1913) represents a magnificent example of Neo-Egyptian and Neo-Byzantine styles with elements of Neo-Romanian architecture.

"La Belle Époque" and Neo-Romanian Style

The late 19th and early 20th centuries became a golden age for Constanta's architecture. After joining Romania, the city turned into a fashionable resort where luxurious villas, hotels, and public buildings were erected.

• Art Nouveau: The most iconic building of this period and the symbol of the city is the Constanta Casino (1910). Its flowing lines, maritime motifs in decor, and large windows overlooking the sea make it a masterpiece of the Art Nouveau style.
• Neoclassicism and Eclecticism: Many buildings in the historic centre combine elements of different styles. A vivid example is the House with Lions (Casa cu Lei), built in the late 19th century, which combines Neoclassical and Genovese motifs.
• Neo-Romanian Style: This style, which sought to revive national architectural traditions, is evident in the building of the Orthodox Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul (1883-1895), which combines monumentality with elements characteristic of Romanian church architecture.

Modernism and the Socialist Period

In the interwar period, buildings in the modernist style appeared in the city, characterised by functionality and simplicity of form. However, the socialist era (1945–1989) had the strongest influence on the city's appearance. During this time, to solve the housing issue, numerous standardised multi-storey residential quarters were built, which today form the appearance of most of the city outside the historic centre.

Notable Figures Associated with Constanta

Throughout its long history, Constanta has been the birthplace or an important place in the lives of many outstanding individuals — from ancient poets to modern sports and film stars. These people have left a significant mark on the culture and history not only of the city but of the entire world.

• Publius Ovidius Naso (Ovid) — one of the greatest poets of Ancient Rome. In 8 AD, he was exiled by Emperor Augustus to the city of Tomis (the ancient name of Constanta). Here, on the distant outskirts of the empire, he spent the last years of his life, creating the famous cycles of elegies "Tristia" and "Epistulae ex Ponto", which forever inscribed the city into the history of world literature.
• Anghel Saligny — a prominent Romanian engineer of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was he who designed and supervised the construction of the modern Port of Constanta and the famous bridge over the Danube, connecting Dobrogea with the rest of Romania. His projects turned the city into the country's main maritime gateway and one of the largest ports on the Black Sea.
• Jean Constantin — one of Romania's most famous and beloved comic actors. Although born in the neighbouring town of Techirghiol, his life and creative career were inextricably linked with Constanta, where he was a leading actor of the theatre for many years and where he was buried.
• Simona Halep — a world-renowned Romanian tennis player and former world number one. She was born and raised in Constanta, becoming one of the most famous natives of the city in the modern era and the pride of the entire country.
• Sebastian Stan — a Romanian-American actor who has gained worldwide fame. He was born in Constanta on 13 August 1982. He gained the greatest popularity for his role as Bucky Barnes (the Winter Soldier) in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
• Natalia Varley — a famous Soviet and Russian theatre and film actress. She was born in Constanta on 22 June 1947. She gained the greatest fame for her role as Nina in the famous comedy "Kidnapping, Caucasian Style".