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[3]

There is another bay1 continuous with that of Astacus, which advances further towards the east, and where is situated Prusias,2 formerly called Cius. Philip, the son of Demetrius, and father of Perseus, gave it to Prusias, son of Zelas, who had assisted him in destroying both this and Myrleia,3 a neighbouring city, and also situated near Prusa. He rebuilt them from their ruins, and called the city Cius Prusias, after his own name, and Myrleia he called Apameia, after that of his wife. This is the Prusias who received Hannibal, (who took refuge with him hither after the defeat of Antiochus,) and retired from Phrygia4 on the Hellespont, according to agreement with the Attalici.5 This country was formerly called Lesser Phrygia, but by the Attalici Phrygia Epictetus.6 Above Prusias is a mountain which is called Arganthonius.7 Here is the scene of the fable of Hylas, one of the companions of Hercules in the ship Argo, who, having disembarked in order to obtain water for the vessel, was carried away by nymphs. Cius, as the story goes, was a friend and companion of Hercules; on his return from Colchis, he settled there and founded the city which bears his name. At the present time a festival called Orei- basia, is celebrated by the Prusienses, who wander about the mountains and woods, a rebel rout, calling on Hylas by name, as though in search of him.

The Prusienses having shown a friendly disposition towards the Romans in their administration of public affairs, obtained their freedom. But the Apamies were obliged to admit a Roman colony.

Prusa, situated below the Mysian Olympus, on the borders of the Phrygians and the Mysians, is a well-governed city; it was founded by Cyrus,8 who made war against Crœsus.

1 B. of Gemlik.

2 Brusa.

3 Mudania.

4 Livy, xxxviii. 39.

5 The kings of Pergamus.

6 The Acquired.

7 The ridge of Katerlu Dagh and Samanlu Dagh.

8 In the text, Prusias. The translation follows the suggestion of Kramer.

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