CIUS (city in Bithynia)
Ancient city of Bithynia in modern-day Turkey
- Kind of place
- City
- Region
- Bithynia
- Where
- 40.43° N, 29.16° E
The area is the traditional setting for the story of Hylas being carried off by nymphs. Strabo 12.4.3 The city of Cius is situated in a bay extending eastward from the bay of Astacus, below the mountain Arganthonius and the lake Ascanius. Strabo 12.3.42 Inhabitants celebrate a festival called Oreibasia where they search for Hylas in the woods. Strabo 12.4.3
Described in the sources
The city of Cius is located in Mysia, among the Mysians, at the mouth of the river Cius. Apollodorus 1.9.19 +4 The city bears the name of a river. Argonautica 1 ¶126 The city was formerly known as Cius before being renamed Prusias. Strabo 12.4.3 The city of Prusa lies on the road leading from Cios into the interior. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 5.43 ¶1
Gods and worship
A sacrifice was made to Apollo Ecbasius at nightfall in this area. Argonautica 1 ¶113
Stories and history
Polyphemus, son of Eilatus, founded the city among the Mysians after losing Hylas during the Argonauts' voyage and ruled as king over the settlement. Apollodorus 1.9.19 +1 The city sent its noblest sons as pledges to Heracles. Argonautica 1 ¶126 The city was captured by the Persian commander Hymaees. Herodotus 5.122.1 Heracles settled the youths sent from the city in Trachis. Argonautica 1 ¶126 It served as a trading hub for nearby Phrygian inhabitants. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 5.40 ¶2 The heroes were forced to leave Heracles behind at this city. Argonautica 2 ¶52 The people of the city continue to search for Hylas to this day. Argonautica 1 ¶126 The heroes reached the homes of this land during the evening hour. Argonautica 1 ¶113 According to legend, Hercules founded the city after returning from Colchis. Strabo 12.4.3 The Milesians established the settlement at a location known as Ascania of Phrygia. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 5.40 ¶2