Cyme: The Phrygian Mood
Cyme, near the modern Smyrna, was one of the ports that served the Phrygians during the centuries from 1000-700 B.C., when they dominated Asia Minor. Freya Stark studies the civilization of this ancient people, from whom the Greeks derived one of the three modes of classical music.
Cyme, largest and best of the Aeolian cities,1 the winter refuge—after Salamis —for the fleet of Xerxes, lies an easy quarter of a mile west of the main Pergamum-Smyma road. Its low acropolis holds Mytilene in sight.
It had a reputation for stupidity in its day, for it renounced all harbour dues and remained a free port for three centuries, and—while other cities celebrated their deeds—the historian of Cyme merely stated that his country was at peace. Happy Cyme! 2
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