Bgazhba, O. Kh., “From Chiefdom to Kingdom,” Vremena / Aamtaq’a (Historical and Cultural Almanac), no. 1–2, Scientific Research Centre “Abkhaz Encyclopaedia”; Abkhaz Historical Society, Sukhum: Dom pechati, 2024, pp. 31–35.

In 137 CE, when the Roman legate Flavius Arrian set foot on the sandy mole of the military base of Sebastopolis, the Goths, one of the Germanic peoples, were beginning to make their presence increasingly felt on the historical stage of Europe. At that time, they lived in the Baltic region, having arrived there earlier from Scandinavia.

Abasgia from Arrian to Procopius: A Historical Overview

The Borders of Abasgia

The Abasgi (Abasgoi) first appeared on the historical stage in the 2nd century AD, thanks to Flavius Arrian. At that time they were led by a “king” named Resmag, who received this title from Emperor Hadrian (AD 117–138). To the east, the Abasgi bordered the Apsilae; to the west, the Sanigae. More precise information on their boundaries can be drawn from the 6th century. In the west they bordered the Sanigae along the Abask River (the modern Bzyb), and in the east they bordered the Apsilae along the Gumista River. According to Procopius, a key reference point was the frontier fortress of Trachea (modern New Athos), which stood on Abasg land.

The first to mention the Apsils was the well known Roman historian Pliny the Elder, who died while attempting to save people during the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 CE.

In 137 CE they were described by the Roman official, legate, Flavius Arrian, who visited, on behalf of Emperor Hadrian, the military base at Sebastopolis. The Apsils at that time lived to the north of the Laz and had a “king” named Julian, who had received the insignia of royal authority from Emperor Trajan, who ruled from 98 to 117 CE.