SALMYDESSUS (city in Byzantium and the Propontis)
Ancient city of Thrace in modern-day Turkey
- Kind of place
- City
- Region
- Byzantium and the Propontis
- Where
- 41.64° N, 28.09° E
The seer Phineus dwelt at this place. Apollodorus 1.9.21 The Argonauts landed at this location in Thrace during their voyage. Apollodorus 1.9.21 The coast near Salmydessus is described as rocky, lacking harbours, and stretching far towards the north. Strabo 7.6.1
Described in the sources
It is located in Thrace near the waters of the twofold sea. Sophocles, Antigone 966-976 The coastal area near Salmydessus is referred to as Thynias. Strabo 12.3.3 The area around Salmydessus is characterized by strong cliffs. Lycophron, Alexandra ¶55 Salmydessus is located near the towns of Phinopolis and Andriace. Strabo 7.6.1 The area around Salmydessus is noted as being without inhabitants. Strabo 7.6.1 The coast near Salmydessus stretches north to the Cyaneae islands. Strabo 7.6.1 Salmydessus is a coastal area formed by alluvial deposits from rivers. Strabo 1.3.7 The Thracians from Salmydessus surrendered to Darius without fighting. Herodotus 4.93.1 Salmydessus is situated near the inhospitable wave that borders Scythia. Lycophron, Alexandra ¶55 The city is situated on the shores of the Bosporus near the waters of the Dark Rocks. Sophocles, Antigone 966-976
Stories and history
Salmydessus is located at the mouth of a river. Strabo 1.3.7 The formation of Salmydessus is partly caused by winter torrents. Strabo 1.3.7 Ares witnessed the blinding of the two sons of Phineus by their savage wife, who used a bloody shuttle as a dagger. Sophocles, Antigone 966-976