Sandy and Tom: CONTANTA, ROMANIA

COSTANTA, ROMANIA

Founded by the Greeks around 2,500 years ago, Constanta is rumored to have been the place where Jason and the Argonauts landed after securing the golden fleece of legend. At that time, Constanta was called Tomis. Its central location on the western coast of the Black Sea, 185 miles from the Bosphorus Straits, made it a key trading center. The Romans conquered Tomis in 71 BCE and renamed Constantianain in honor of the sister of the Roman Emperor, Constantine the Great. After the fall of Rome, the town ell to the Ottomans, and was largely ruled by the Genoese during the thirteenth century until it was once again taken by the Ottomans. Today, it’s the fourth largest port in Europe, ranked just after Rotterdam, Antwerp and Marseille. It’s also the third largest city in Romania, considered a commercial and cultural center.

After WW II Romania came under Communism with Russia. They became a Republic in 1989. They are a poor but proud country. During Communism they were denied to have any religion and most churches were destroyed. Now most people are Greek Orthodox. The country has 20 million people but only 9 million are working. Many young people go to Spain or Italy to get work. Doctors go to Germany, France, or Great Britain to work. Every working person gives 5% of their salary to the public health system which is very lacking. There are private hospitals but one must pay for all expenses so they are only for the rich.