Heraclea Pontica

Heraclea Pontica (mod. Bender Eregli), an ancient city on the coast of Bithynia in Asia Minor, at the mouth of the Kilijsu. It was founded by a Megarian colony, which soon subjugated the native Mariandynians and extended its power over a considerable territory.

The prosperity of the city, rudely shaken by the Galatians and the Bithynians, was utterly destroyed in the Mithradatic war. It was the birthplace of Heraclides Ponticus. The later town was best known for its lignite coal-mines, from which Constantinople received a good part of its supply.

This entry was originally from the 1911 Encyclopedia Britannica.