ECBATANA (anc. geog.), the royal residence and the capital of Media, built by Deioces king of the Medes, according to Herodotus: Pliny says, by Seleucus; but that could not be, because it is mentioned by Demobhenes. It was situated on a gentle declivity, distant 12 stadia from Mount Orontes, and was in compass 150 stadia. Here stood the royal treasury and tombs. It was an open unwalled town, but had a very strong citadel, encompassed with seven walls, one within and rising above another. The extent of the utmost was equal to the whole extent of Athens, according to Herodotus; the situation favouring this construction, as being a gentle ascent, and each wall was of a different colour.—Another Ecbatana of Persia, a town of the Magi (Pliny).—A third of Syria.