Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1891-09-15
The Island of MitYlene.

The Island OF nifty lene ba5 inquired con
spicuously In the discussions OF the Eastern
question for many years past. 1t lies off the
coast of Anatolis, or AsIs Minor, Its ex-
treme northern point being forty miles due
south OF the southern entrance to the Oar
denelles, while the hasbor Of Sigri, where
the British effected their landing, Ia about
| forty miles from the same point.
The length CT the island from east TO West
| Ia 3S miles and its BREATH from north 10
south "a miles. It's total area is 276 square
miles. Previous to the Greek revolution
| the island had population OF about 10000,
| which is nov reduced TO less than 40,000.
| The island is separated from the mani od
| by strait from to 10 miles In width. The
| interior is mountainous, but the valleys are
extremely fertile, are watered by many
streams, and, If properly cultivated, would
be exceedingly productive.
Mitylene Ia the Lesbos the anoients, and
at q very early period contained several rich
and populous cities, Of which Mitylene and
Methymna were the most important, on &C
count of their fine hsrbors for the cosstlng
trade. Mitylene, which still remains the
chief town, Ia In the southeast coast, on a
peninsula which forms two small harbors.
It was originally built on small island
close to the coast, but afterwards, when the
limits of this island became too narrow, It
was Joined to Lesbos by causeway, form
ing the two hsrbors Of the preGent day.
These are only fit at present for the accom-
mediation OF ooasting craft or small vessels
the larger ships must anchor In the roads
outside, where they are exposed to south
cast and northeast winds, which in winter
blow with much violence.
On the southeast part Of the island, how
ever, Ia Port Olivier, or Zero, which Ia de-.
soribsd 80 safe and beautiful harbor, and
ons oil the best in the Greoian Archipelago.
1t Ia altogether about eight miles 10 length,
and completely Iandiooked, being ipclosed
By low hills covered with olive trees, behind
which rise high, healthy mountains a project
ing point at tho entrance of the port shelte it
totally from the swell of tho sea, and ships
safe from every wind near the entrance as at the
extremity of the hsrbor There is good anchor
age in from ten to fifteen fathom5 Of water, the
bottom being stiff mud and clay.
After tho island had undo, gone several revolu-
tionary changes, Pittacus sbnut 600 B q. usurp-
cd the dictatorship, restored order and laid the
foundation for the future greatness OF Mitylene.
Whsn continental Iolis became subject to Persia
about $50 B. C., Lesbos maintained its indcpend-
ence several years louger. hbont 500 B. q. 1t
Joined the revolt of tho Ionisns, bat wi hout sue
cess After regaining its Independence it became
member Of the Athenisn Coniederacy in ATT B
g., but revolted in the beginning OF the Pc opon-
nesian war, 42S B. o.. and once more in Alp B.
O., both times suffering terribly. With the ex-
ception of short period, during which it was
under Spartan sway, Lesbos continued subject to
Athens until 3S7 B. c. In 334 B. C. it submitted
to Alexander.
In the frat century B. C. the island vas under
the dominion of Mithridates, and after his defeat
it vas annexed to the possessions OF Rome.
In the thirteenth century one OF the By zantine
emperors ceded it to the Venetian family of Gate
from them in 1462 by Mohammed II, who BIO.
seiged the chief city and captured it through
troacbery. since then it has remained subject to
tho Turks. It WAS tho birthplace of the poets Ter
pander, Arion, Alc@us and ssppho; of the philoso
phols Pittacus, Ccstppus and Theophrsstus and
the historians Hellanicus and Theophancs.