MYLASA (city in Caria)
Ancient city of Caria in modern-day Turkey
- Kind of place
- City
- Region
- Caria
- Patron
- Carian Zeus
- Landmarks
- Temple of Carian Zeus Strabo 14.2.23; Shrine of Carian Zeus Herodotus 1.171.6; Temple of Zeus Labrandenus Strabo 14.2.23; Temple of Zeus Osogo Strabo 14.2.23
- Where
- 37.32° N, 27.78° E
The city is embellished more beautifully than others with porticos and temples. Strabo 14.2.23 The city contains a temple of Jupiter Labrandenus. Strabo 14.2.23 A mountain with a beautiful marble quarry overhangs the city. Strabo 14.2.23
Described in the sources
Mylasa is located in a very fertile plain in the interior region near Iasus. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 5.29 ¶4 +2 The city was anciently a village. Strabo 14.2.23 The city contained a large number of temples. Athenaeus 8.41 The town of Mylasa is described as being free. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 5.29 ¶4 The city's nearest point to the sea is at Physcus. Strabo 14.2.23 The city featured a forum where the harp-player stood. Athenaeus 8.41 The city had very few citizens compared to its temples. Athenaeus 8.41 The port of Mylasa is located eighty stades away from the city. Pausanias 8.10.4 It is described as one of three considerable cities in the area. Strabo 14.2.22 The city was the native place and royal residence of the Carians. Strabo 14.2.23
Gods and worship
The city contains a temple of Jupiter called Osogo. Strabo 14.2.23 The Carians in Mylasa pay great honors to Iphimedeia. Pausanias 10.28.8 Mysians and Lydians are admitted to worship at the local shrine of Carian Zeus. Herodotus 1.171.6 The most distinguished citizens serve as lifelong priests of the city's temples. Strabo 14.2.23 People speaking the Carian language but belonging to other groups are excluded from the shrine. Herodotus 1.171.6
Stories and history
Physcus serves as the naval arsenal for the city. Strabo 14.2.23 The city has abundant and nearby stone for building. Strabo 14.2.23 The area containing Mylasa is infested with scorpions. Strabo 14.2.26 The hemp produced in Mylasa is considered the second best quality. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 19.56 ¶1 Hybreas returned after Labienus left and restored the city to its former state. Strabo 14.2.24 Labienus plundered and destroyed Hybreas's house and treated the city similarly. Strabo 14.2.24 The citizens surrendered to Labienus because they were unarmed and wanted peace. Strabo 14.2.24 Hybreas became the leading person in the city after Euthydemus died and later caused it to revolt. Strabo 14.2.24 The city produced notable orators and demagogues named Euthydemus and Hybreas, with Euthydemus using his power for the city's benefit despite some tyrannical acts. Strabo 14.2.24