ATARNEUS (city in Mysia and Aeolis)
Ancient city of Ionia, in modern-day Turkey
- Kind of place
- City
- Region
- Mysia and Aeolis
- Where
- 39.09° N, 26.92° E
The city was situated under Mount Pergamus. Pausanias 7.2.11 Atarneus is a district in Mysia situated opposite the island of Lesbos. Herodotus 1.160.4 Hot baths named Astyra are situated within the district of Atarneus. Pausanias 4.35.10
Described in the sources
Atarneus is located on the coast after the village of Attea and following Elaea, near Pitane and Pergamum on the same side of the Caïcus river. Strabo 13.1.51 +2 The tyrant Hermeas attacked locations situated near this city and served as the royal seat for him. Strabo 13.1.57 +1 The district of Atarneus lies in the area stretching from Lectum to the river Caïcus, near its mouths. Strabo 13.1.2 +1 Harpagus met Histiaeus in battle in this region. Herodotus 6.28.2 Hermias was a notable figure associated with this city. Athenaeus 15.51 The area containing Atarneus belongs to the Elaitic gulf. Strabo 13.1.51 Atarna is described as a borough that was formerly a city in the region of Æolis. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 37.56 ¶3 A small, deserted city with exhausted mine sites lies between Atarneus and Pergamum. Strabo 14.5.28 The army traveled through Atarneus while moving from the Caicus river toward Carene. Herodotus 7.42.1 The battle between Greeks and Persians at Malene occurred within the territory of Atarneus. Herodotus 6.29.1
Gods and worship
All produce from Atarneus was forbidden in sacred rites and sacrifices to the gods. Herodotus 1.160.5
Stories and history
The stone Ceponides is found in the location of Atarna. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 37.56 ¶3 Hermias died nobly while trusting in the faith of others. Athenaeus 15.51 The Persians received Atarneus as a reward for handing over Pactyes. Herodotus 1.160.4 The inhabitants were forced to abandon the city due to a similar fate as Myus. Pausanias 7.2.11