MYSIA. Astyra. Tissaphernes, Satrap of Mysia
circa 400-395 BCE
Bronze, 10.5 mm, 0.96 g, 5 h
Helmeted head of Athena to right. Rev. ΤΙΣΣΑ Satrap, holding spear in upraised right hand, on horseback right.
Klein 255. SNG BN -. Winzer 6.3
Ex J. Metzger Collection
Ex Nomos
Astyra was located between Antandros and Adramytteion. It must have been an important city for Tissaphernes, though it was known in antiquity more for its temple of Artemis. That temple may have been managed by Antandros, and the territory of Astyra itself may have been subject to Atarneos during a certain period.
Pausanias stated that he visited Asyra and personally witnessed the black water of the hot spring there. He stated:
I have myself seen water coming up black from springs at Astyra. Astyra opposite Lesbos is the name of the hot baths in the district called Atarneus. It was this Atarneus, which the Chians received as a reward from the Persians as a reward for surrendering the suppliant, Pactyas the Lydian. This water then has a black color; but the Romans have a white water, above the city across the river called Anio. When a man enters it, he is at first attacked with cold and shivering, but after a little time it warms him like the hottest drug.