MITYLENE was the chief town of Lesbos on its E. coast, subsequently giving its name to the whole island. It was one of the early Æolian colonies, and one of the earliest homes of Greek lyric poetry the birthplace of Sappho and Alcæns. It attained great naval power, and founded colonies such as Sigeum and Assos. It took a prominent part in the Ionian revolt, but helped Xerxes against Greece. It joined the Athenian alliance, but revolted in b.c. 428 and was nearly annihilated. After opposing Rome in the Mithradatic War, it was made a free city. It has belonged to the Turks since a.d. 1462. Its mention in Acts 20:14 is merely incidental, St. Paul’s ship spent a night there.

A. E. Hillard.