PHILADELPHIA, the name of an ancient town of Turkey,
in Asia Minor, or Natolia, founded by Attalus Philadelphus,
brother of Eumenes. In the year 1097 it was taken by
John Ducas, the Greek general; and, in the year 1106,
it was, without difficulty, reduced by the same individual.
The Turks marched from the East with a design to plun-
der this and the maritime towns; and, in 1175, the Em-
peror Manuel retired thither for protection against these
invaders. In 1300, it fell by lot to Karaman. In 1306, it
was besieged by Alifaras, and considerably harassed, but
not taken. In 1391, Philadelphia alone refused to admit
Bajazet; but it was at length forced to capitulate, from
want of provisions. It has been matter of surprise that
this town was not totally abandoned; and yet it has sur-
vived many cities less liable to inconveniences, and is still
an extensive place, though in its appearance it is poor and
mean. Some remnants of its walls are still standing.