ENTRY TYPE

Geographical Terms

SUMMARY

Asprokastron was situated near the mouth of the river Dniester, on the site of an ancient Greek colony. During the Early Byzantine period it was probably controlled by the Byzantines, but later it came under the authority of various peoples of the region (Pechenegs, Rus’, Cumans, Tatars). Since the end of the 13th century it was a Genoese trading post, while in the 15th century it served as the seat of the rulers of Moldavia. It was occupied by the Ottomans in 1484.

Administrative Dependence

Byzantine Empire, Pecheneg state, Rus’ state, Cuman state, Tatar state, Bogdania (Moldavia)

Historical Region

Bessarabia

Geographical Location

Ukraine

Other Names

Leucopolichnē, Maurocastrum/Moncastro, Cetatea Albă, Akkerman