Mytilene
Archimandrite Nikifor’s Biblical Encyclopedia
(Acts 20:14)—the capital of the ancient island of Lesbos, on the western shore of Asia Minor. The newer city is called Castro, near which the ruins of the ancient city can still be seen. The Apostle Paul passed by the island of Lesbos on his way from Corinth to Jerusalem. At that time the capital of the island was famed for its beauty and trade. Horace, Lucan, Cicero, Strabo, and other classical writers unanimously testify to its beauty. The environs of Mytilene are picturesque. The population, about 10,000 people, consists partly of Turks, under whose authority they are, but chiefly of Greeks. The time of the planting of Christianity on the island is unknown, but it is certain that Christianity already existed here in the fifth century after Christ.