PYGELA (city in Ionia)
Ancient city of Ionia in modern-day Turkey
- Kind of place
- City
- Region
- Ionia
- Where
- 37.86° N, 27.26° E
The settlement is described as a small town that received its name appropriately from the condition of its settlers. Strabo 14.1.20 The town contains a temple dedicated to Diana Munychia. Strabo 14.1.20 Pygela is located on the sea-coast of the Ephesians, following Neapolis, and situated between the cities of Ephesus, Magnesia, and Priene. Strabo 12.3.22
Described in the sources
The name of the city suggests it was built by fugitives. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 5.31 ¶1 Phygela was a town located near the coastal district known as Trogilia. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 5.31 ¶1 The colonists were called Pygalgeis because of their specific medical complaint. Strabo 14.1.20
Stories and history
The town was constructed by people who were fleeing from elsewhere. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 5.31 ¶1 Agamemnon is credited with founding the town after his soldiers colonized the area following a bout of buttock disease. Strabo 14.1.20