Cisthene or Kisthene ( grc, Κισθήνη) was a coastal town in
ancient Aeolis, opposite Lesbos Island, in western
Mysia; its mines were a source of
copper. Its location is not certain, but it is generally considered to be near modern
Ayvalık on the northwestern
Aegean coast of
Turkey.
During a survey project, realized by Engin Beksaç in 1997, it was possible for Prof. Beksaç to identify the place of Kisthene as Kızçiftlik on the Plains of Gömeç, near Ayvalık (ancient Greek Kydonies-Κυδωνιές). The site is near the sea and faces towards the Peninsula of Pryha. And by the cooperation of Kızçiftlik, it has been partially uncovered. Much archaeological data, from the
Early Bronze Age up to the
Late-Byzantine Period, have identified by Prof. Beksaç on the surface. According to the information, provided by
Strabo
Strabo''Strabo'' (meaning "squinty", as in strabismus) was a term employed by the Romans for anyone whose eyes were distorted or deformed. The father of Pompey was called "Pompeius Strabo". A native of Sicily so clear-sighted that he could see ...
, the ruins, identified by Prof. Beksaç, are related to Kisthene.
The site is tentatively located by modern scholars near
Gömeç
Gömeç is a town and district of Balıkesir Province in the Marmara region of Turkey. Its former name was ''Armutova'' before becoming a district. The ancient city Kisthene is located in Gömeç. The population is 4988 (as of 2010). Current m ...
.
See also
*
Roman metallurgy
References
External links
Coins of Kisthene
Former populated places in Turkey
Populated places in ancient Mysia
Populated places in ancient Aeolis
History of Balıkesir Province
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