ASSOS (city in Troad)
Ancient city of Troas in modern-day Turkey
- Kind of place
- City
- Region
- Troad
- Where
- 39.49° N, 26.34° E
Assus is described as a considerable city that is strong and well fortified with walls. Strabo 13.1.57 The city is situated a little above the sea, with a long, steep ascent leading from the sea and harbour up to it. Strabo 13.1.51 Assus is situated opposite the northern promontory of Sigrium on the island of Lesbos. Strabo 13.1.2
Described in the sources
The area surrounding Assus was inhabited by the Leleges, and during Homer's era, the region was under their control. Strabo 13.1.56 +1 Assus is located 80 stadia from Polymedium and 140 stadia from Gargara, with the city of Methymna situated between Polymedium and Assus. Strabo 13.1.51 +1 Assus is located in the district stretching from Lectum to the river Caïcus, within the region of Aeolia where Aeolis terminates and Ionia begins. Strabo 13.1.2 +1 The stone is quarried in the region of Assos. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 36.28 ¶1 The harbour at Assus is formed by a large mole. Strabo 13.1.57 The soft variety resembles red pumice in appearance. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 36.28 ¶1 Ptolemy, the king of Egypt, was present in this city. Athenaeus 9.17 The Stoic philosopher Cleanthes was a native of this place. Strabo 13.1.57 The city is also referred to by the alternative name Apollonia. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 5.32 ¶1 Philosophers fled from Assus to avoid areas held by the Persians. Strabo 13.1.57
Gods and worship
It acts as a desiccative upon suppurations. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 36.28 ¶1 It cures obstinate wounds inflicted by animals. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 36.28 ¶1 Plaisters made with it and bean-meal are used for gout. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 36.28 ¶1 Vessels made from this stone help modify attacks of gout. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 36.28 ¶1 Mixed with Cyprian wax, it cures affections of the nipples. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 36.28 ¶1 Working in its quarries causes all leg maladies to disappear. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 36.28 ¶1
Stories and history
The stone has a saltish taste. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 36.28 ¶1 The kings imported wheat from Assos. Strabo 15.3.22 A soft variety called flower of stone crumbles into dust. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 36.28 ¶1 The inhabitants of this city presented a large pig to Ptolemy. Athenaeus 9.17 A laminated stone known as sarcophagus is found within the city. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 36.27 ¶1 The city served as the origin point for the founding of Gargara. Strabo 13.1.58 King Eumenes purchased similar animals from the people of this city. Athenaeus 9.17 Objects buried with the dead reportedly turn into stone according to Mucianus. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 36.27 ¶1 Bodies buried in the local stone of Assos are consumed within forty days, leaving only the teeth. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 36.27 ¶1