Cyzicus fortifications- Byzantine ruin in Balkiz (Serai)
| Department | Archive |
|---|---|
| Collection | Byzantine Research Fund |
| Reference No. | BRF/02/02/01/030 |
| Level | Item |
| Place |
Cyzicus |
| Dates | 1902 |
| Donor/Creator |
Henderson, Mr Arthur Edward FSA Hasluck, Dr Frederick William |
| Scope and Content | Byzantine ruins of Cyzicus fortifications in Balkiz Serai (Bal-Kiz Serai/Balikesir) region with local guide standing in front. This photograph originated in the Hellenic Society (SPHS) with # 4141 written in pencil on the back. A.E. Henderson is credited with the photograph on the back of this print but in the register of the Hellenic Society, both F.W. Hasluck and A.E. Henderson are credited with donating it to the collection. See SPHS Image collection for further details. |
| Further information | The ancient town of Cyzicus was probably a Pelasgian foundation, but soon acquired considerable commercial significance and cut a particularly valuable staple coinage, the gold stater. It is located on the Propontis in the area of ancient Mysia, a region on the south coast of the Marmara sea northwest of Asia Minor. Pergamon and Cyzicus were the most important trade-centres in Mysia. The naval battle of Cyzicus was of key importance for the outcome of the Peloponnesian war while under Roman emperor Tiberius the city witnessed prosperity and wealth. The city was captured temporarily by the Arabs in 675 and, after a series of disastrous earthquakes, it began, as early as the 11th century, to be gradually deserted. Principal ruins in the nearby marsh land of Balkiz Serai are those of the fourth-century walls, an Andrian temple, a Roman aqueduct and a theatre. |
| Related records |
[BSA SPHS 01/1662.4141], Cyzicus fortifications, Byzantine ruin in the Balkiz [Serai], 1902
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