Cius – 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, and had as such a long history, being mentioned by Homer, Aristoteles 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 III 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. 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.

References

• Richard Talbert, Barrington Atlas of the Greek and Roman World, (ISBN 069103169X), p. 52.
• William Smith, Classical Dictionary, s.v. "Cius"

External links

• Hazlitt, Classical Gazetteer, "Cius"

Ancient Greek cities | Bithynia | Cities along the Silk Road | Ancient Greek sites in Turkey | Milesian colonies | Ruins