Prusias on the Hypius
Prusias on the Hypius, originally known as Cierus, is a historical city located in northwestern Asia Minor, specifically in the region of Bithynia. Nestled on a defensible hill at the base of Mount Hypius, it overlooks the Hypius River plain. The city has its roots in central Greek colonization, as evidenced by local tribal names. It was acquired from the Bithynian monarchy by Heraclea Pontica but later recaptured by King Prusias I, after whom the city was named. Prusias served as a vital stop on the route connecting Nicomedia to Amastris, enhancing its strategic importance. The city thrived during Roman imperial times, as indicated by its coinage and notable visits from emperors like Caracalla. By the early fourth century, Prusias became the seat of a bishopric. Today, remnants of the city include a colonnaded street, ancient fortifications, a second-century theater, and mosaics depicting mythological scenes, highlighting its rich cultural history. It's essential to distinguish Prusias on the Hypius from other locations with similar names in Bithynia.
Subject Terms
Prusias on the Hypius
formerly Cierus, Kieros (Üsküb)
A city of Bithynia (northwestern Asia Minor), situated on a defensible hill at the foot of Mount Hypius overlooking the small plain of a river, likewise called Hypius (Düzce). Originally known as Cierus, and colonized from central Greece (as the local designations of surviving tribal divisions, Megaris and Thebais, bear witness), the place was bought from the Bithynian monarchy by Heraclea Pontica (Ereǧli) but recaptured by King Prusias I (c 230–182) and given his name.
It was an important station on the road from Nicomedia (İzmit) in Bithynia to Amastris (Amasra) in Paphlagonia. Coinage of Roman imperial times, which seems to have started under Vespasian (AD 69–79) and continued until Gallienus (253–68), depicted a figure engaging in sacrifice, identified as Caracalla (211–17), who visited the city (like Elagabalus [218–22] after him). By the early fourth century it was the seat of a bishopric.
The surviving remains of Prusias include a colonnaded street, fortifications embodying a gate, a theater of the second century AD, and a three-arched bridge which remained intact until recent inundations. Floor mosaics depicting mythical scenes have been found outside the walls. (The city has to be distinguished from Prusias on the Sea [formerly Cius, now Gemlik] and Prusa [Bursa, Brusa], which were likewise in Bithynia).