DORISKOS (city in Thrace)
Ancient Thracian city
- Kind of place
- City
- Region
- Thrace
- Where
- 40.87° N, 26.12° E
Doriscus is located in Thrace on a wide plain near the sea, on the coast after the city of Caracoma. Herodotus 7.59.1 The river Melas flows around the city of Doriscus. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 4.18 ¶3 The Gulf of Melas takes its name from the river flowing around Doriscus. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 4.18 ¶3
Described in the sources
Xerxes counted his military forces, departed from this location, and marched his army through it on the way to Hellas. Herodotus 7.105.1 +2 The place Zone is located near this location. Herodotus 7.59.2 The headland Serreum is at the end of this area. Herodotus 7.59.2 The Samothracian city of Sane stands near this location. Herodotus 7.59.2 All ships arrived at this location during Xerxes' campaign. Herodotus 7.59.2 The great river Hebrus flows through the territory of Doriscus. Herodotus 7.59.1 The Paeonians were transported to this location by the Lesbians. Herodotus 5.98.4 A winding coast extends from Doriscus to Macron Tichos for 122 miles. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 4.18 ¶3 Mascames resided in Doriscus and could not be expelled by the Greeks. Herodotus 7.106.2 Doriscus was one of the locations where grain was transported and stored. Herodotus 7.25.2
Stories and history
Xerxes counted the number of his army at Doriscus. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 4.18 ¶2 +1 The Cicones possessed this country in former days. Herodotus 7.59.2 A royal fortress named Doriscus was built in this territory. Herodotus 7.59.1 The site of Doriscus was large enough to hold ten thousand men. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 4.18 ¶2 Captains brought ships to the beach near this place on Xerxes' command. Herodotus 7.59.2 The previous governor appointed by Darius was removed from his position. Herodotus 7.105.1 Darius posted a Persian guard at Doriscus after his march against Scythia. Herodotus 7.59.1 Xerxes appointed Mascames son of Megadostes as the new governor of the city. Herodotus 7.105.1 Successive Persian kings sent gifts to Doriscus because Mascames remained there. Herodotus 7.106.2 Xerxes forced everyone he encountered to join his army while leaving this place. Herodotus 7.108.1