Mysia

Bergama - AKRAPOL - panoramio (4)

Asia Minor in the Greco-Roman period - general map - regions and main settlements

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MYSIA, Kyzikos. Circa 550-500 BC

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Coin of Mysia 4th century BCE

MYSIA, Adramyteion. Orontes, Satrap of Mysia. Circa 357-352 BC

Mysia was an ancient region located in the northwest of what is now Turkey, bounded by the Propontis (Sea of Marmara) to the north, the Aegean Sea to the west, Phrygia to the east, and Lydia to the south. This geographical location made Mysia a crucial area of conflict and cultural exchange throughout ancient history. The region was characterized by its rugged terrain and rich natural resources, which played a significant role in its historical development.

History

The history of Mysia is intertwined with the broader history of the ancient Near East. In the early Bronze Age, it was inhabited by the Mysians, an indigenous people who spoke an Anatolian language. The region came under the influence of various empires over the millennia, including the Hittite Empire, Lydia, Persian Empire, and eventually the Roman Empire.

During the Hittite period, Mysia was part of the empire's western territories, serving as a buffer zone against the invading Aegean civilizations. With the decline of the Hittites around the 12th century BCE, the region saw an influx of Aegean and Balkan peoples, which led to significant cultural changes.

In the first millennium BCE, Mysia fell under the rule of Lydia until the Persian conquest in the 6th century BCE. The Persians divided the region into satrapies, using it as a strategic base for further campaigns in the west. The Greco-Persian Wars saw Mysia as a battleground, particularly during the Ionian Revolt.

The arrival of Alexander the Great in the 4th century BCE marked the beginning of Hellenistic influence in Mysia. After Alexander's death, the region became a part of the Seleucid Empire, and later, the Kingdom of Pergamon. The last Attalid king bequeathed his kingdom to Rome, and Mysia became part of the Roman province of Asia.

Geography

Mysia's geography is marked by the significant mountain range of Mount Ida (now Kaz Dağı), known in mythology as the site where the Trojan War gods watched the battle. The region's landscape includes fertile plains, which were conducive to agriculture, particularly the cultivation of olives and grapes. The strategic location of Mysia, along with its ports on the Aegean Sea, facilitated trade and military movements.

Culture

The cultural landscape of Mysia was shaped by its position as a crossroads between the East and West. The region was home to several important ancient cities, including Pergamon, known for its monumental library and as a center of Hellenistic culture and learning. The influence of Greek culture was profound in Mysia, evident in the architecture, art, and coinage of the period.

Religion

Religion in Mysia was a blend of indigenous Anatolian, Greek, and later Roman deities and practices. The cult of Cybele, an Anatolian mother goddess, was particularly prominent. The region also featured in several Greek myths, including those related to the Trojan War.

Legacy

Mysia's legacy is evident in the archaeological remains that dot the landscape, offering insights into the region's rich history and cultural heritage. The ancient cities of Mysia, particularly Pergamon, have been significant in the study of ancient architecture and urban planning.