Chalcedon

Ancient Greek city in Bithynia on the Bosphorus, opposite Byzantium. In the classical period it lent its support alternately to Athens and Sparta. About 140 BC it was included in the kingdom of Bithynia, which was bequeathed by Nicomedes IV to Rome 74 BC. Partly destroyed by Mithridates VI, King of Pontus, it was recovered under the empire.

According to tradition, Chalcedon was founded by colonists from Megara (Greek city between Attica and Corinth) 685 BC, and was known as ‘the city of the blind’ because its founders ignored the facing site of Byzantium. Chalcedon was frequently ravaged by the Goths AD 256 and by the Persians under Chosroes II AD 616–26. The city was destroyed by the Turks after 1075.