BITHYNIA (region)
Ancient region of Asia Minor
- Kind of place
- Region
- Where
- 40.50° N, 31.00° E
Bithynia is located at the foot of the Mysian Olympus mountain. Strabo 12.8.8 The heights of the area contain immense forests and strongholds. Strabo 12.8.8 Nicaea is identified as the capital city of the region of Bithynia. Strabo 12.4.7
Described in the sources
The province of Bithynia included the Propontis and parts of Pontus, and the combined territory of Pontus and Bithynia formed a single province after Pontus was annexed to Bithynia. Strabo 12.3.1 +2 Nicomedes ruled the region of Bithynia. Athenaeus 13.85 This region marks the termination of Asia. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 5.43 ¶2 Prusias was the king who ruled this region. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 7.15 ¶1 Hipparchus was a native of this specific region. Strabo 12.4.9 Nicomedia is a famous city situated in Bithynia. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 5.43 ¶1 The place called Estiæ is situated in this region. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 5.43 ¶2 Prusa is located in Bithynia at the foot of Olympus. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 5.43 ¶1 The Bithyni people occupy the interior of this region. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 5.43 ¶2 The Epictetus river extends to the border of Bithynia. Strabo 13.4.4
Stories and history
Mithridates pursued Nicomedes and took control of Bithynia upon entering it. Strabo 12.3.40 Nicomedes the Bithynian fled to his own country after his army was destroyed. Strabo 12.3.40 The Bithynians formerly occupied the area around the source of the Gallus river. Strabo 12.3.7 Cheese from Bithynia is generally regarded as the highest quality among foreign cheeses. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 11.97 ¶1 Mithridates Eupator's generals destroyed the army of Nicomedes the Bithynian in this region. Strabo 12.3.40