CORYCUS (settlement in Cilicia)
Archeological site in Turkey
- Kind of place
- Settlement
- Region
- Cilicia
- Where
- 36.47° N, 34.15° E
The location includes a town, a port, and a cave all sharing the name Corycos. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 5.22 ¶1 Corycos is situated near the sea on the coast of Cilicia. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 5.22 ¶1 The cave is a large circular valley surrounded by a high ridge of rock. Strabo 14.5.5
Described in the sources
Corycus is identified as a promontory located on the island of Crete. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 4.20 ¶2 +1 Corycus is a stretch of coastline whose sea-coast was known as a haunt for pirates. Strabo 14.1.32 +1 Corycus is a small city located near Attaleia. Strabo 14.4.1 Mount Corycus is located in the region of Cilicia. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 13.20 ¶1 The nearest sea passage to Corycus is 250 stadia away. Strabo 8.5.1 Halonnesus, a small island, is located next to Corycus. Strabo 14.1.33 The best saffron grows in spots within the Corycian cave. Strabo 14.5.5 The river Lamus forms the boundary between Soli and Elaeussa. Strabo 14.5.6 A river of pure water rises in a cave inside the Corycian cave. Strabo 14.5.5 Corycus is described as a lofty mountain situated before Erythrae. Strabo 14.1.32
Stories and history
The mountain Corycus contains a cave within its structure. Pausanias 10.12.7 The Erythraeans claim Herophile was born inside the cave on Mount Corycus. Pausanias 10.12.7 It is possible to sail from Corycus to the beach of Curias by doubling the cape. Strabo 14.6.3 The Roman general Servilius Isauricus captured Corycus along with other strongholds. Strabo 14.5.7 The term Corycaean became a proverb for someone who overhears private conversations. Strabo 14.1.32 Pirates from this area developed a method of spying on merchants to attack their ships. Strabo 14.1.32 Elm trees growing on Mount Corycus produce a type of gum that is considered useless and tends to breed gnats. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 13.20 ¶1 Attalus Philadelphus settled a new colony at Corycus by introducing other inhabitants and extended the circuit of the walls. Strabo 14.4.1