CYZICUS (city in Mysia and Aeolis)
Ancient city of Mysia in modern-day Turkey
- Kind of place
- City
- Region
- Mysia and Aeolis
- People of myth here
- Cyzicus
- Where
- 40.39° N, 27.87° E
Cyzicus is described as an island in the Propontis connected to the mainland by two bridges. Strabo 12.8.11 The city rivals top Asian cities in size, beauty, and excellent administration of affairs. Strabo 12.8.11 A temple honoring Dindymene, mother of the gods, stands on the peak of Dindymus. Strabo 12.8.11
Described in the sources
The Doliones tribe is located around the city of Cyzicus. Strabo 12.4.4 +1 The mountain Dindymus, which has a single peak, is situated above the city. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 5.40 ¶1 +1 Cyzicus is identified as a location where the best iris perfume is produced. Athenaeus 15.38 +1 Neanthes was a native of this city. Athenaeus 13.37 Androcydes, a painter, was a native of this city. Athenaeus 8.25 Cyzicus is located within the fifth climatic zone. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 6.39 ¶6 The city was originally a colony established by the Milesians. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 5.40 ¶1 A statue of Bacchus with a bull's head is located in this city. Athenaeus 11.51 Homer states that the Troad region begins at the city of Cyzicus. Strabo 13.1.9 The island of Elaphonnesus is located before the city of Cyzicus. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 5.44 ¶1
Stories and history
Agathocles wrote a history of this city in three books. Athenaeus 12.9 Famine spread among the king's large army, aiding the Cyziceni. Strabo 12.8.11 Lucullus, a Roman general, sent succours into the city by night. Strabo 12.8.11 The city maintains three store-houses for arms, engines, and corn. Strabo 12.8.11 Chalcidic earth is mixed with stored corn to prevent it from spoiling. Strabo 12.8.11 A fig tree grew from a laurel tree in the city shortly before its siege. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 17.38 ¶2 The Romans respected the city, and it enjoys freedom to the present time. Strabo 12.8.11 The king captured the hill of Adrasteia and the suburb opposite the city. Strabo 12.8.11 The people of Cyzicus sent a man to carry libations and sacrifices to India. Strabo 2.3.5 part 1 The king escaped the countermine by retreating out of the excavation in time. Strabo 12.8.11
Myths set at Cyzicus
- The Storm at Cyzicus. Jason and the Argonauts arrive at Cyzicus, where they are welcomed by the local king and perform religious rites. A storm strikes while Jason rests, but he is woken by Mopsus to hear a prophecy and pray for calm. Argonautica 1 ¶106 +3 Jason