Colchis , ancient country on the eastern shore of the Black Sea and
in the Caucasus region. Centered about the fertile valley of the
Phasis River (the modern Rion), Colchis corresponds to the
present-day region of Mingrelia in Georgia. In Greek legend it was
the home of Aeëtes and Medea, the land where the Golden Fleece was
sought by Jason and the Argonauts. Greek trading posts were
established in Colchis, but the land remained independent until
conquered (c.100 B.C.) and held briefly by Mithradates VI of
Pontus. After the time of Trajan to the end of the Roman Empire,
Rome exerted considerable influence on the region.