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DEMONNE´SI

Eth. DEMONNE´SI or DEMONE´SI (Δημόννησοι: Eth. Δημοννήσιος). Hesychius (s. v. Δημοννήσιος χάλκος) says that there are two islands near Byzantium, which are called by the common name Demonnesi, but have severally the names Chalcitis and Pityusa. These belong to the Prince's Isles. [CHALCITIS] Stephanus (s. v. Δημόνησος) describes. Demonesus as an island near Chalcedon, where cyanum and chrysocolla were found. In another place (s. v. Χαλκῖτις), where. Stephanus is citing Artemidorus, the islands Pityodes, Chalcitis, and Prote are mentioned. It is sometimes assumed that the Demonesus of Stephanus is the same as his Chalcitis; but he does not say so, nor does his description of the two agree. Pliny (5.32) places [p. 1.770]Demonesus opposite to Nicomedia; and he also mentions Chalcitis and Pityodes. Pityodes seems to be the modern island of Prinkipo, east of Chalcitis. It is hardly worth while to attempt to reconcile the authorities. The simplest explanation is to follow Hesychius, who says that Chalcitis and Pityodes were the Demonesi. Prote retains its name. There are at least eight islands in the group of the Prince's Isles, besides some rocks.

[G.L]

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