MANISSA, or MANIKA, a town of Asia Minor, Anatolis, situated on the N. side of Mount Sipylus, 28 miles N.E. of Smyrna. This town was anciently called Magnesia ad Sipylum, to distinguish it from another town of the same name on the Maeander. It is chiefly celebrated in ancient history for the victory gained there by the Romans over Antiochus, in the year 190 B.C., after which it fell into the hands of the former. In the reign of Tiberius, it was much injured by an earthquake, but was restored by a grant of money from the emperor. The town is situated on the banks of the Hermus, and is noted as being one of the neatest and cleanest cities in Asia Minor. It contains about thirty mosques, two of which are adorned on the exterior with double minarets, and in the inside with paintings and other articles. The Armenians, Greeks, and Jews, have also their respective places of worship. There is also a fine khan, and a citadel which stands on a lofty rock, and commands an extensive view. The mountains near the town are remarkable for their loadstones, and hence the name "magnet" is supposed to be derived. The surrounding country is rich and productive, especially of saffron, which is exported. The town is the seat of some considerable trade, and many of the inhabitants are employed in the manufacture of cotton and silk goods, and goats' hair shawls. Pop. about 20,000.