TARSUS (town in Cilicia)
District and town in Mersin, Turkey
- Kind of place
- Town
- Region
- Cilicia
- Where
- 36.92° N, 34.90° E
The city is located in a flat, open area and is described as having a large population and being extremely powerful. Strabo 14.5.12 The river Cydnus flows through the middle of the city, near the gymnasium used by young men. Pausanias 8.28.3 Its residents excel in philosophy and learning, surpassing Athens and Alexandria. Strabo 14.5.13
Described in the sources
Tarsus marks the western starting point of the isthmus of a large chersonesus and the flat plain country in Cilicia. Strabo 14.3.1 +3 The courtesan Glycera resided in a palace in Tarsus, which Harpalus allowed her to live in. Athenaeus 13.50 +1 Tarsus is described as a free city. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 5.22 ¶1 The mountain range Taurus overhangs the city. Strabo 14.5.10 Tarsus is located in the interior region of Cilicia. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 5.22 ¶1 It holds the status of being the capital of its region. Strabo 14.5.13 Seleucus, a prose essayist on fishing, was from this town. Athenaeus 1.22 Tarsus is situated along the third circle or parallel of the earth. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 6.39 ¶4 The distance from the boundaries of Cilicia to Tarsus is 120 stadia. Strabo 14.5.11 An Epicurean philosopher named Lysias became the tyrant of this city. Athenaeus 5.54
Gods and worship
The river water helps cure swelling, fluxions, and gout in people and animals. Strabo 14.5.12
Stories and history
Argive companions of Triptolemus established the town. Strabo 14.5.12 +1 Sardanapalus is credited with building the town in a single day. Athenaeus 12.39 Antony promised the people of this town to establish a gymnasium. Strabo 14.5.14 Strangers are generally not inclined to visit the city for study. Strabo 14.5.13 Boëthus plundered this city until the death of his protector Antony. Strabo 14.5.14 The citizens of this city appointed Lysias as the priest of Hercules. Athenaeus 5.54 The water is cold and moves quickly due to its source and valley path. Strabo 14.5.12 The lake near the river's mouth serves as a naval arsenal for the city. Strabo 14.5.10 The city possesses schools dedicated to instruction in the liberal arts. Strabo 14.5.13 Athenodorus expelled unjust rulers from this city using power granted by Caesar. Strabo 14.5.14