or CYZICUS (anc. geog.), one of the noblest cities of the Hither Asia; situated in a cognominal island of the Propontis, on the coast of Mytha; joined to the continent by two bridges (Strabo); the first by Alexander; the city, a colony of the Milesians (Pliny). Rendered famous by the siege of Mithridates, which was raised by Lucullus.—The inhabitants were made a free people by the Romans, but forfeited their freedom under Tiberius. It was adorned with a citadel and walls round it; had a port and marble towers; and three magazines, one for arms, another for warlike engines, and a third for corn. Cyziceni, the people; noted by the ancients for their timidity and effeminacy; hence the proverb in Zenodotus and others, Tinctura Cyzicena, applied to persons guilty of an indecency through fear: but Stateres Cy-

Vol. V. Part II.