Dascylium

Dascylium (also spelled Dascyleium) was an ancient city located in northwestern Anatolia, in what is now Turkey. It was situated on the shores of Lake Manyas (anciently Lake Dascylitis), near the present-day village of Ergili, in the Bandirma district of Balıkesir Province.

Dascylium was an important settlement from the early Phrygian period onwards, serving as a royal residence and administrative center for several successive powers. It was known for its strategic location and fertile agricultural land.

During the Achaemenid Persian period (6th-4th centuries BC), Dascylium served as the capital of the satrapy of Hellespontine Phrygia (also known as Phrygia Minor). It was a significant center of Persian power in the region, controlling access to the Hellespont (Dardanelles). The city played a role in the Persian Wars, serving as a staging point for Persian military operations. The tombs of Persian satraps have been discovered near Dascylium, providing valuable insights into the administration and culture of the Persian Empire.

After the collapse of the Achaemenid Empire, Dascylium came under the control of various Hellenistic kingdoms, including those of Lysimachus and the Seleucids. Its importance gradually declined, although it continued to be inhabited throughout the Roman and Byzantine periods.

Archaeological excavations have been conducted at Dascylium, revealing evidence of its rich history and multi-layered cultural influences. Discoveries include architectural remains, pottery, sculptures, and inscriptions, shedding light on the city's Phrygian, Persian, Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine past. The site provides crucial information about the interactions between these different cultures in Anatolia.