SINOPE (city in Pontus and Paphlagonia)
Ancient Greek city-state of the Black Sea, predecessor to Sinop, Turkey
- Kind of place
- City
- Region
- Pontus and Paphlagonia
- Where
- 42.03° N, 35.14° E
Sinope is located on the Euxine Sea in the region of Pontus. Herodotus 1.76.1 The peninsula projects in a circular form and is surrounded by rocks. Strabo 12.3.11 It is described as the most considerable city in its specific region. Strabo 12.3.11
Described in the sources
Sinope is located approximately 900 stadia away from the city of Amisus. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 6.2 ΒΆ1 +1 Armene is a village belonging to the people of Sinope, located fifty stadia away from the city. Strabo 12.3.10 +1 Some authors identify Sinope as the eastern endpoint of the isthmus road from Issus, with the distance between the two cities stated to be 3000 stadia. Strabo 14.3.1 +1 Sinope is 3500 stadia distant from Hieron. Strabo 12.3.11 Sinope is 700 stadia distant from Carambis. Strabo 12.3.11 An oracle of Sthenis existed within the city. Strabo 12.3.11 Sinope is 2000 stadia distant from Heracleia. Strabo 12.3.11 The city honors Hercules with great reverence. Athenaeus 6.36 The city is situated opposite the mouth of the Ister river. Herodotus 2.34.2 Cytorum was formerly a market place for the people of Sinope. Strabo 12.3.10
Gods and worship
Sacrifices are offered to Hercules in all the boroughs of the city. Athenaeus 6.36 Common men, parasites, and beggars are excluded from the sacred rites. Athenaeus 6.36 Twelve men from noble families are selected to participate in the rites. Athenaeus 6.36 Citizens regarded the sculptor Sthenis as a founder and honoured him as a god. Strabo 12.3.11 Its inhabitants established a naval force that commanded the sea near the Cyanean rocks. Strabo 12.3.11
Stories and history
Alexis mentioned her in his play Cleobuline. Athenaeus 13.50 Sinope produced Diphilus, a writer of comedy. Strabo 12.3.11 Callicrates spoke of her in his play Moschion. Athenaeus 13.50 The entire country is planted with olive trees. Strabo 12.3.12 Sinope produced the philosopher Diogenes the Cynic. Strabo 12.3.11 Lucullus removed the Sphere of Billarus from the city. Strabo 12.3.11 The territory grows maple trees and mountain nut trees. Strabo 12.3.12 Wood from the mountain nut tree is used to make tables. Strabo 12.3.12 Lucullus took the statue of Autolycus, a work by Sthenis. Strabo 12.3.11 Mithridates Eupator made Sinope a capital of his kingdom. Strabo 12.3.11