MYUS (city in Ionia)
Ancient city of Caria in modern-day Turkey
- Kind of place
- City
- Region
- Ionia
- Where
- 37.59° N, 27.43° E
A white marble temple dedicated to Dionysus remained in the city at the time of the author's visit. Pausanias 7.2.11 The inhabitants abandoned the city because vast swarms of gnats bred in the newly formed lake. Pausanias 7.2.10 Myus is located in the region of Caria, on the coast formerly occupied by Carians, and was taken from the Carians by the Ionians who settled there. Herodotus 1.142.3
Described in the sources
Myus is situated next to Miletus and Priene, thirty stadia up the river from Pyrrha, and four stadia from the Carian village of Thymbria. Herodotus 1.142.3 +2 Myus is identified as one of the twelve Ionian cities. Strabo 14.1.10 The area around Myus is described as having a cavernous condition. Strabo 12.8.17 An army that had departed from Naxos was stationed at this location. Herodotus 5.36.4 Myus is situated on the coast near Mount Latmus and the towns of Heraclea and Carice. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 5.31 ¶1 A small sea inlet in the area was blocked by the river Maeander, turning it into a fresh water lake. Pausanias 7.2.11
Stories and history
Xerxes reportedly granted the city to Themistocles for its fish supply. Athenaeus 1.54 +1 Myus shares a common language with Miletus and Priene. Herodotus 1.142.3 Philip, father of Perseus, granted the city to the Magnesians. Athenaeus 3.15 Due to a reduced population, Myus was incorporated into Miletus. Strabo 14.1.10 The soil in Myus is dry, powdery, salty, and highly inflammable. Strabo 12.8.17 Cyaretus, the son of Codrus, is identified as the founder of the city. Pausanias 7.2.10 The city is said to have been originally constructed by Ionians who migrated from Athens. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 5.31 ¶1 The residents moved to Miletus, carrying their divine images and movable property with them. Pausanias 7.2.11