Cius-Kios (Greek: Kίος, or Kείος, also transliterated as Kios and Keios, and later Prusa, Prusias and Prusias ad Mare) was an ancient Greek city bordering the Propontis (now known as the Sea of Marmara), in Bithynia (in modern north-western Turkey), and had as such a long history, being mentioned by Homer, Aristotle and Strabo. It was colonized by the Milesians and became a place of much commercial importance. It joined the Aetolian League, and was destroyed by Philip V of Macedon. It was rebuilt by Prusias I of Bithynia who renamed it for himself. An important chain in the ancient Silk Road, it became known as a wealthy town. Following the population exchange in 1923, the Greek refugees from Cius established the village of Nea Kios, in Argolis, Greece. There are only few remnants of the ancient town and its harbour today. Somewhat more to the west, the new modern town of Gemlik, Bursa Province, Turkey can be found.

[edit] Notable residents

Claudia Metrodora - 1st century public benefactor

[edit] References

• Richard Talbert, Barrington Atlas of the Greek and Roman World, (ISBN 0-691-03169-X), p. 52.
• William Smith, Classical Dictionary, s.v. "Cius"

[edit] External links

• Hazlitt, Classical Gazetteer, "Cius"
• Kios (Gemlik) - The Greek City in Asia Minor
• Catholic Encuclopedia - Cius

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