Poti is a Georgian port city built on the site of an ancient myth

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Located at the mouth of the Rioni River, Poti sits on the ruins of Phasis, a Greek colony famously linked to the legend of Jason and the Argonauts. This strategic Black Sea location has evolved from an ancient trade hub into a vital modern industrial center and naval headquarters.

The history of Poti spans over 26 centuries, rooted in the ancient Greek polis of Phasis, established by Miletus colonists around the turn of the 7th and 6th centuries BC. Ancient writers like Strabo described it as a critical trade center, potentially serving as a gateway for routes connecting India to the Black Sea. While the exact location of the original settlement remained a mystery for ages, underwater archaeology suggests that geomorphological shifts—specifically the changing course of the Rioni River across the wetlands—likely caused the lake mentioned by Strabo to engulf part of the ancient city.

Throughout its long existence, Poti has been a focal point for competing empires. It fell under Roman control during the Third Mithridatic War and later became a seat of a Greek diocese. By the 16th century, the Ottoman Empire fortified the town, utilizing it as a key outpost and slave market until the Russian Empire captured it in 1828. Modern Poti truly began to take shape in the late 19th century under the leadership of mayor Niko Nikoladze, who oversaw the construction of a power station, an oil refinery, and the expansion of the port, which became a primary export hub for manganese and coal.

Today, Poti serves as the headquarters of the Georgian Navy and remains a critical economic artery. In 2008, the city saw significant infrastructure development, including the inauguration of a free industrial zone and the laying of a submarine fiber-optic cable to improve internet connectivity. Despite its resilience, the city has faced repeated challenges, including aerial bombardment during the 2008 war with Russia. Currently, it functions as a vital logistics hub, balancing its ancient legacy with its role as Georgia’s principal window to Europe.

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