Mycale
Mycale, also known as Mount Mycale, is a prominent mountain range located in southwestern Ionia, reaching an elevation of 4,040 feet. Its geographical significance includes its position opposite the island of Samos and its proximity to the historical site of Miletus. The area has a rich history, with roots tracing back to the Carian settlement of Melia, which was destroyed around 700 BC and later transformed into a shrine dedicated to Heliconian Poseidon. This site became the central sanctuary for an alliance of twelve leading Ionian cities, known as the Panionion, where important political decisions were made.
Historically, the waters of Mycale were the site of a significant battle during the Persian Wars in 479 BC, marking a decisive moment for the Greek forces, led by Spartan King Leotychidas. This battle contributed to the liberation of Ionia from Persian control. Despite a brief reestablishment of Persian rule during the Peloponnesian War, the region eventually saw a resurgence of Greek influence, with the Panionion being rebuilt and its festivals reinstated. The site remains of archaeological interest, revealing remnants such as the altar and council chamber that indicate its historical significance as a center of worship and political activity in ancient times.
Subject Terms
Mycale
Mykale, Mount (Samsun Daǧı)
A mountain range, reaching a height of 4040 feet, in southwestern Ionia (western Asia Minor), with its extremity at Cape Trogilion, opposite the island of Samos. On an acropolis beside its northern slopes, overlooking the narrow strait, stood the township of Melia or Melie (Kaletepe or Çanlı), a Carian settlement which was destroyed—probably by its neighbors—c 700 BC and replaced by a hilltop shrine of Heliconian Poseidon (at Otomatiktepe), which became the federal sanctuary and festival center of the twelve leading Ionian cities and was renamed the Panionion, under the control of the rulers of Priene (Turunçlar) in whose territory it lay. Important political decisions were taken there in 546 and 497, but after the collapse of the Ionian Revolt in 494 the festival was transferred to Ephesus.
The waters of Mycale were the scene of the final engagement of the Persian Wars (479), fought on the same day (tradition alleged) as the land battle of Plataea. Apart from an abortive intervention during the Ionian Revolt, this was the first time that the mainland Greeks had launched a direct attack on Persian territory. The commander of the Greek fleet of 45,000 sailors and 5,000 heavy-armed marines was the Spartan king Leotychidas, who sailed from Samos to Mycale, effected a landing, and broke into the stockaded camp of the Persians and their allies on the south side of the promontory. The enemy lost 40,000 dead, and the people of Miletus butchered the fleeing survivors. This decisive victory liberated Ionia and gave the Greeks supremacy throughout the Aegean.
Toward the end of the Peloponnesian War (431–404), Persian rule was reestablished. But when it came to an end in the middle of the following century (and Priene was rebuilt at the foot of Mount Mycale), the Panionion was reconstructed; remains of its sixty-foot altar have come to light and a Bouleuterion (Council Chamber) has been traced on the slope. The Panionian festival, too, was restored to its original location, but in imperial times was transferred (together with the federal cult of the emperors) to the principal Ionian cities.