Though born in Greece that civilization in Antiquity controlled the Bulgarian lands for more than seven centuries. Greek cities were founded and developed successfully along the Bulgarian Black Sea in the 7-6th century BC. The first city was Apolonia (nowadays Sozopol) which appeared in 611 BC. The other cities-colonies were Bizone (Kavarna), Dionysopolis (Balchik), Odessos (Varna), Mesembria (Nessebar), Anchialus (Pomorie).

     These cities have established social, trade and cultural contacts with the native Thracian population. Greek cities have left us many public and private buildings, theatres, odeons. The influence of Greek civilization is to be traced in inventing conservative practices, as in the funerals, for example. Unlike the Thracian tombs with their abundance of gold and silver, even the richest Greek ship owners were buried in humble stone or wooden coffins. Other influences can be seen in the sculpture and painting which arrived in the Bulgarian lands along with the Greeks.

     What is most important is that the Greeks brought the script to the Bulgarian lands. That greatest invention of humankind enables it to record and multiply the achievements of talented individuals in all spheres.

     Another famous Greek site from our lands is Emporion Pistiros which means "trade colony Pistiros". It is situated in the western part of the Upper Thracian valley and is the first real found Greek site in the hinterland of Thrace. The name of this site was established through the stone inscription found in the frame of this trade colony.