Metropolis (northern Phrygia)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Metropolis (Ancient Greek: Μητρόπολις) was an ancient town in the north of Phrygia, and, as the name seems to indicate, a capital of the ancient kings of Phrygia, though Stephanus of Byzantium derives the name from the mother of the gods.[1] It was situated to the north of Synnada (Athen. 13.574.), and must not be confounded with another town of the same name in the south of Phrygia.[2] Its site is, in all probability, indicated by the ruins of Pismesh Kalasi, north of Doganlu, which show a very antique style of architecture, and mainly consist of tombs cut into the rocks; one of these tombs is that of king Midas. Although William Martin Leake is inclined to think that these ruins mark the site of Nicoleia;[3] William Smith credits other travelers who identify them with Metropolis.[4][5] From the extent of the ruins, it would seem that in the time of the Roman emperors Metropolis was an important town; but afterwards it declined, though it is still mentioned by Hierocles.[6]

Modern scholars locate its site near Oynaş Köyü, Seyitgazi, Eskişehir Province, Asian Turkey.[7][8]

Related Articles

Wikiwand AI