The Thracians were the indigenous population predominantly of the mainland of the Balkan Peninsula, whereas the seafaring Greeks with their fast ships had the opportunity to colonise the Black Sea coast. In the 8th - 6th century BC, they settled in the peninsulas of present-day Bulgarian Black Sea coast, which were convenient both for habitation and for defence purpses.
Dozens of sea expeditions were sent by the cities in mainland Greece to the coasts of Asia Minor and the Aegean islands. Athens, Megara, Byzantion and some other cities were particularly active. This is how many fortified cities appeared: Dionyssopolis ( Balchik ), Odessos ( Varna ), Mesambria ( Nessebur ) and Apollonia ( Sozopol ). The colonie usually maintained contacts with the metropolises, importing various works of art, artisan production and beautifully painted ceramics. Incredible monuments have been discovered during excavations of city necropolises. For example, hundreds of whole red-figured ceramic vessels, decorated with mythological scenes and images of deities, were found in the principal necropolis of Apollonia.
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