CILICIA (region)
Ancient region of Asia Minor
- Kind of place
- Region
- Landmarks
- Corycian cave (Zeus) Apollodorus 1.6.3
- Where
- 36.99° N, 35.12° E
Cilicia is divided into two distinct parts called Tracheia and Pedias. Strabo 14.5.1 The Taurus mountain range overhangs the Tracheia region. Strabo 14.5.1 Typhon was born in this region after Earth mated with Tartarus. Apollodorus 1.6.3
Described in the sources
Cilicia forms part of the northern boundary of the region of Syria, with the Gates marking the boundary separating the two regions. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 5.13 ¶1 +3 The area between the mountains includes the gulf of Issus. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 6.2 ¶1 +1 The Taurus mountains separate this region from Cappadocia and Lycaonia. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 8.83 ¶1 +1 The Amanus mountain range extends from Cataonia into the region of Cilicia. Strabo 12.2.2 +1 Cilicia Tracheia begins at Coracesium, a fortress located on an abrupt rock. Strabo 14.4.2 +1 The promontory Anemyrium in Cilicia Tracheia faces the promontory of Crommyon in Cyprus. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 5.35 ¶1 +1 The northern side of Cyprus approaches Cilicia Tracheia, where the island is nearest to the continent. Strabo 14.6.1 +1 Soli in Cilicia is noted for producing the highest quality crocus perfume and saffron oil that was once highly esteemed. Athenaeus 15.38 +1 Celenderis is situated on the border between Cilicia and Syria and is identified by some writers, including Artemidorus, as the starting point of the region. Strabo 14.5.3 +1 Cilicia borders the region of Cappadocia. Herodotus 5.52.2
Gods and worship
The oracle at Mallus was considered the most trustworthy in Pausanias's time. Pausanias 1.34.3
Stories and history
Cilicia produces a wine named Abates. Athenaeus 1.59 The Abates wine from Cilicia only relaxes the bowels. Athenaeus 1.59 Cilicians from the Troad migrated and settled in Syria. Strabo 13.4.6 The region paid five hundred talents of silver in tribute. Herodotus 3.90.3 The brothers jointly founded the town of Mallos in Cilicia. Lycophron, Alexandra ¶20 Three hundred and sixty talents were paid directly to Darius. Herodotus 3.90.3 Individuals inspired by the gods deliver the oracles in Cilicia. Strabo 14.5.19 One hundred and forty talents were spent on the local horse guard. Herodotus 3.90.3 The city of Celenderis was founded within this region by Sandocus. Apollodorus 3.14.3 The region provided three hundred and sixty white horses as tribute. Herodotus 3.90.3
Myths set at Cilicia
- The Founding of Mallus and Conflict with Amphilochus. hook: Mopsus and Amphilochus return from Troy to jointly found the city of Mallus in Cilicia. goal: Mopsus aims to retain his share of the newly founded town. outcome: Amphilochus, excluded from government, challenges Mopsus to single combat and kills him. Apollodorus, Epitome 6.19 +2 Mopsus