Calpe (Bithynia)

Calpe (Ancient Greek: Κάλπη, romanized: Kalpē), also Kalpas or Calpas,[1] was a port city of ancient Bithynia in Asia Minor,[2] on the shore of the Black Sea. It was located not far from the mouth of the river Calpas (modern Ilaflı Dere).[3] It was mentioned in Xenophon's Anabasis.[4] Xenophon, who passed through the place on his retreat with the Ten Thousand, describes it as about half way between Byzantium and Heraclea Pontica on a promontory, part which projects into the sea is an abrupt precipice. The neck which connects the promontory with the mainland is only 400 feet (120 m) wide. The port is under the rock to the west, and has a beach; and close to the sea there is a source of fresh water. The place is minutely described by Xenophon. [4] The place is mentioned also by Pliny the Elder,[5] Solinus,[6] Arrian, who places it 210 stadia from the mouth of the Psilis,[7] and Stephanus of Byzantium.[2][8]

Its site is located near Kerpe (or Kirpe) in Asiatic Turkey.[3][9]

References

1. Kalpas 2.(in German) In: Realencyclopädie der classischen Altertumswissenschaft (RE). Volume X,2, Stuttgart 1919, col. 1759.
2. Stephanus of Byzantium. Ethnica. s.v.
3. Richard Talbert, ed. (2000). Barrington Atlas of the Greek and Roman World. Princeton University Press. p. 52, and directory notes accompanying.
4. Xenophon. Anabasis. 6.4.
5. Pliny. Naturalis Historia. 6.4.
6. Solinus, De mirabilibus mundi 43.1.
7. Arrian. Periplus Ponti Euxini. 17.
8. Walther Ruge: Kalpe 2.(in German) In: Realencyclopädie der classischen Altertumswissenschaft (RE). Volume X,2, Stuttgart 1919, col. 1760.
9. Lund University. Digital Atlas of the Roman Empire.

 This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Smith, William, ed. (1854–1857). "Calpe". Dictionary of Greek and Roman Geography. London: John Murray.