CYDONIA (anc. geog.), one of the three most illustrious cities of Crete, situated in the north-west of the island, with a locked port, or walled round. The circumstances of the founding of Cydon are uncertain. Stephen of Byzantium says, that it was at first named Apollonia from Cydon the son of Apollo. Paufanias ascribes the founding of it to Cydon the son of Tegetus, who travelled into Crete. Herodotus affirms, that it was founded by the Samians, and that its temples were erected by them. Alexander, in the first book of the Cretans, informs us, that it received its name from Cydon the son of Mercury. Cydon was the largest city in the island; and was enabled to hold the balance between her contending neighbours. She sustained some famous sieges. Phaleucus, general of the Phoceans, making an expedition into Crete with a fleet and a numerous army, invested Canea both by sea and land; but lost his army and his life before its walls. In succeeding times, when Metellus subdued the island, he assailed Cydon with all his forces; and after combating an obstinate resistance, subjected it to the power of Rome. Cydon occupied the present situation of Canea; only extending half a league farther towards St Odero; where on the sea shore the remains are still to be seen of some ancient walls which appear to have been of a very solid construction. See CANEA.