MALLUS (city in Cilicia)
Ancient Greek city in Anatolia
- Kind of place
- City
- Region
- Cilicia
- People of myth here
- Amphilochus, Mopsus
- Where
- 36.56° N, 35.38° E
Mallus is located in the Cilician territories near the river Pyramus on a high elevation, immediately before the small town of Aegaeae along the coast. Lycophron, Alexandra ¶20 Mallus in Cilicia possessed an oracle of Amphilochus. Pausanias 1.34.3 Amphilochus and Mopsus fought each other in single combat within the city. Strabo 14.5.16
Described in the sources
The grammarian Crates was a native of this location. Strabo 14.5.16 The town of Mallos is located near the town of Magarsos. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 5.22 ¶1 A hill named Magarsus is situated near the town of Mallos. Lycophron, Alexandra ¶20 Bion places Mallos near Meroë in his account of the region. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 6.35 ¶1 The tombs of the founders are currently shown at Magarsa near the Pyramus. Strabo 14.5.16 Mallus territory was traversed by Alexander's phalanx during the march to Issus. Strabo 14.5.17
Stories and history
The town was jointly founded by the figures involved in the duel. Lycophron, Alexandra ¶20 Water from a broken dyke damaged places in the region around Mallus. Strabo 12.2.8 Both Amphilochus and Mopsus were killed during their duel in the city. Strabo 14.5.16 The oracle at Mallus was considered the most trustworthy of the author's time. Pausanias 1.34.3 Amphilochus and Mopsus are said to have founded the city after returning from Troy. Strabo 14.5.16