PESSINUS (city in Galatia)
Ancient city and archaeological site in Turkey at modern Ballıhisar
- Kind of place
- City
- Region
- Galatia
- Where
- 39.33° N, 31.58° E
The city contains a highly venerated temple of the Mother of the Gods. Strabo 12.5.3 The city is said to be the burial place of Attis. Pausanias 1.4.5 Pessinus is located beneath Mount Agdistis. Pausanias 1.4.5
Described in the sources
The river Sangarius runs near the city. Strabo 12.5.3 Gauls residing in Pessinus avoid eating pork meat. Pausanias 7.17.10 The Tectosages tribe occupies the region near Pessinus. Strabo 12.5.2 Pessinus is described as the largest market in its region. Strabo 12.5.3 Attis was sent to this city by his relatives to marry the king's daughter. Pausanias 7.17.11 Pessinus is a town located within the territory of the Tolistobogi people. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 5.42 ¶1 Pessinus is situated to the left of the route leading south into Greater Phrygia. Strabo 12.8.13 The Attalic kings adorned the sacred enclosure with a temple and marble porticos. Strabo 12.5.3 The Romans sent for the goddess's statue from Pessinus following a Sibyl's oracle. Strabo 12.5.3 The village Sangias, where the Sangarius river originates, is 150 stadia from Pessinus. Strabo 12.3.7
Stories and history
The inhabitants of Pergamus captured the city of Pessinus. Pausanias 1.4.5