Why is Black Sea called Black Sea?

Answer 1

The expression Black Sea has a not known and sure explanation today; possible are:

- The Black Sea has frequently strong storms; in the antiquity and Middle Age, up to 20th century the navigation was frequently dangerous; and bad was associated with black.

- During winter and under clouds the sea surface appear as black.

- In the Middle age Turks associated kara (black) with the North.

- The Scythic origin of the name seems not credible.

etc.

Answer 2

Some possibilities include:

1. The Black Sea was given that name because the lack of oxygen in the water prevents the development of microorganisms, making it appear black.

2. It was called the Black sea because it was a Sea of Death. Sailors of long ago, if caught in a storm, usually died because of the absence of islands at which to harbour, and the ferocity of the storms that hit.

3. The intense fogs which develop over the Black sea absorb the light, making the water appear black.

4. At a certain depth its waters become toxic and poisonous.

5. The Black Sea got its name from the Ottoman Turks. 'Kara (Black)' denotes 'North' in Medieval Turkish, as in Kara Denizi- Kara Sea north of Siberian Yakut Turks, similar to Black Sea.

6. It may be because of ancient colors of cardinal directions. Black is North, red is South, and yellow is East.
The Black Sea got its name from the Romans, they called it "Pontious Euxinus", which means "friendly sea". One reason for the Black Sea's name is because of its heavy fogs. They make the water look dark during the winter

Answer 3

The name Black Sea may date from antiquity. Before the Greek colonisation of the area, the area was called the Inhospitable Sea because it was difficult to navigate and the shores were occupied by inhospitable tribes. Later it became known as the Hospitable Sea. At some time during this historical period, the Scythians called the area 'dark' and this may be the origin of the name Black Sea