View source for Mytilene

{{Short description|Capital of the Greek island of Lesbos}}
{{redirect|Mória|the refugee camp|Moria refugee camp|other uses|Moria (disambiguation)}}
{{about|the municipality|the island as a whole locally called Mytilene|Lesbos}}
{{for|the characters in Greek mythology who were called Mytilene|Mytilene (mythology)}}
{{distinguish|Melitene}}
{{Infobox Greek Dimos
 |name = Mytilene
 |name_local = {{lang|el|Μυτιλήνη}}
|type = municipality
 |image_map = 2019 Dimos Mytilinis.png
 |map_caption = Location within the region
 |periph = [[North Aegean]]
 |periphunit = [[Lesbos]]
 |municipality = Mytilene
 |pop_municipality =  59034
 |area_municipality = 566.7
 |pop_municunit = 41379
 |population_as_of = 2021
 |area_municunit =  107.46
 |pop_community = 33523
 |elevation = 8
 |coordinates = {{coord|39|6|N|26|33|E|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
 |postal_code = 811 00
 |area_code = 22510
 |licence = MY
 |demonym = Mytilenian
 |mayor = Panagiotis Christofas<ref name=mayor>[https://ekloges.ypes.gr/current/d/home/en/municipalities/9261/ Municipality of Mytilene, Municipal elections – October 2023], Ministry of Interior</ref>
 |since = 2023
 |website = https://welcometolesvos.com/el/ekserevniste-ti-lesvo/
| image_skyline                   = 
<!-- RECT X beginning (left), Y beginning (top), X end (right), Y end (bottom). -->
<imagemap>
File:Mytilene_Montage_L.png|center|275px|alt=Mytilene montage. Clicking on an image in the picture causes the browser to load the appropriate article, if it exists.
rect 15 17 989 559 [[Mytilene|Panoramic view of the City of Mytilene]]
rect 506 575 989 928 [[Archaeological Museum of Mytilene]]
rect 15 945 479 1300 [[Saint Therapon (Mytilene)|Church of Saint Therapon]]
rect 495 945 732 1300 [[Statue of Liberty (Mytilene)|Statue of Liberty]]
rect 749 945 989 1300 [[Mytilene#Landmarks and urban architecture|Urban architecture in Mytilene]]
rect 15 1317 989 1480 [[Mytilene#History|Harbor of Mytilene]]
rect 15 575 491 928 [[Mytilene|Lesbos Regional Unit Administration]]
</imagemap>
|caption_skyline    = '''Clockwise from top:''' Panoramic view of the City of Mytilene, [[Archaeological Museum of Mytilene]], [[Statue of Liberty (Mytilene)|Statue of Liberty]], Characteristic samples of [[#Landmarks and urban architecture|urban architecture]], the seafront and [[#History|Harbor of Mytilene]], [[Saint Therapon (Mytilene)|Church of Saint Therapon]], and Lesbos Regional Unit Administration.
 |city_flag          =
 |districts          =
}}
'''Mytilene''' ({{IPAc-en|ˌ|m|ɪ|t|ɪ|ˈ|l|iː|n|i}}; {{langx|el|Μυτιλήνη|Mytilíni}} {{IPA|el|mitiˈlini||el-Μυτιλήνη.ogg}}) is the [[capital city|capital]] of the [[Greece|Greek]] island of [[Lesbos]], and its port. It is also the capital and administrative center of the [[North Aegean]] Region, and hosts the headquarters of the [[University of the Aegean]]. It was founded in the 11th century BC.

Mytilene is one of the two [[municipalities and communities of Greece|municipalities]] on the island of [[Lesbos]], created in 2019; the other is [[West Lesbos]].<ref name=gazette>{{Cite web|url=http://www.et.gr/idocs-nph/search/pdfViewerForm.html?args=5C7QrtC22wFqnM3eAbJzrXdtvSoClrL87TVLbP6RgP3tIl9LGdkF53UIxsx942CdyqxSQYNuqAGCF0IfB9HI6qSYtMQEkEHLwnFqmgJSA5UkHEKavWyL4FoKqSe4BlOTSpEWYhszF8P8UqWb_zFijOYvZQ9oVzh_eHrjhF2IgFB0wiv-nanwQoPLtSkFjBWO|title=Τροποποίηση του άρθρου 1 του ν. 3852/2010|trans-title=Amendment of Article 1 of l. 3852/2010|page=1164|language=el|publisher=[[Government Gazette (Greece)|Government Gazette]]}}</ref> Mytilene is built on the southeast edge of the island. It is the seat of a [[metropolitan bishop]] of the [[Greek Orthodox Church]].

==History==
[[File:Nuremberg chronicles f 59v 3.png|thumb|left|160px|[[Pittacus of Mytilene]] ({{Circa|640}} – 568 BC), one of the [[Seven Sages of Greece]]; woodcut from the [[Nuremberg Chronicle]].]]
[[File:Port Mytilene.jpg|thumb|View of the port, with the dome of Saint Therapon.]]
[[File:Lesbos Mytilene01.JPG|thumb|The church of [[Saint Therapon (Mytilene)|Saint Therapon]] at the port]]

As an ancient city, lying off the east coast, Mytilene was initially confined to a small island just offshore that later was joined to Lesbos, creating a north and south harbor. The early harbors of Mytilene were linked during ancient times by a channel 700 m long and 30 m wide. The Roman writer Longus speaks of white stone bridges linking the two sides. The Greek word εὔριπος ''eúripos'' is a commonly used term when referring to a strait. The strait allowed ancient warships called [[trireme]]s, with three tiers of rowers or more. The boats that passed were ca. 6 m wide plus oars and had depth of 2 m.

The areas of the city that were densely populated connected the two bodies of land with marble bridges. They usually followed a curved line. The strait begins at the old market called Apano Skala. It was also close to Metropolis Street and ended at the Southern Harbor. One could argue that the channel transversed what is now called Ermou Street. Over time the strait began to collect silt and earth. There was also human intervention for the protection of the [[Castle of Mytilene]]. The strait eventually filled with earth.<ref>[http://www.ellinikiaktoploia.net/index.php/2011-06-28-15-10-27/2914-2012-02-26-08-51-08 Harbor of Mytilene] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808052712/http://www.ellinikiaktoploia.net/index.php/2011-06-28-15-10-27/2914-2012-02-26-08-51-08 |date=2014-08-08 }} accessed July 31, 2014</ref>

Mytilene contested successfully with [[Mithymna]] in the north of the island for the leadership of the island in the seventh century BC and became the centre of the island's prosperous eastern hinterland.{{Citation needed|date=October 2008}} Her most famous citizens were the poets [[Sappho]] and [[Alcaeus of Mytilene|Alcaeus]] and the statesman [[Pittacus of Mitylene|Pittacus]] (one of the [[Seven Sages of Greece]]). The city was famed for its great output of [[electrum]] coins struck from the late sixth through mid-fourth centuries BC.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.asiaminorcoins.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=56|title=Mytilene - Asia Minor Coins - Photo Gallery|website=www.asiaminorcoins.com|access-date=2020-09-09|archive-date=2018-12-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181223073605/https://www.asiaminorcoins.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=56|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The [[Mytilenean revolt]] against Athens in 428 BC was overcome by an Athenian expeditionary force. The Athenian public assembly voted to massacre all the men of the city and to sell the women and children into slavery but the next day in the [[Mytilenian Debate]] changed its mind. A fast [[trireme]] sailed the {{convert|186|nmi|km}} in less than a day and brought the decision to cancel the general massacre, but a thousand citizens were executed for taking part in the rebellion.

[[Aristotle]] lived on Mytilene for two years, 337–335 BC, with his friend and successor, [[Theophrastus]] (a native of the island), after being the tutor to [[Alexander the Great|Alexander]], son of King [[Philip II of Macedon]].<ref>[http://www.ivu.org/history/greece_rome/theophrastus.html Bio of Theophrastus] accessed December 11, 2007</ref><ref>[http://www.gradesaver.com/classicnotes/authors/about_aristotle.html Grade Saver bio on Aristotle] accessed December 11, 2007</ref><!---but not Alexander the Great just yet. That was later--->

The Romans, among whom was a young [[military career of Julius Caesar|Julius Caesar]], successfully defeated Mytilene in 81 BC at the [[Siege of Mytilene (81 BC)|Siege of Mytilene]].<ref name="Thorne2003">{{cite book|last=Thorne|first=James|title=Julius Caesar: Conqueror and Dictator|url=https://archive.org/details/juliuscaesarconq0000thor|url-access=registration|year=2003|publisher=The Rosen Publishing Group|isbn=978-0-8239-3595-6|page=[https://archive.org/details/juliuscaesarconq0000thor/page/34 34]}}</ref> Although Mytilene supported the losing side in most of the great wars of the first century BC, her statesmen succeeded in convincing Rome of her support of the new ruler of the Mediterranean and the city flourished in Roman times.

In AD 56, [[Luke the Evangelist]], [[Paul the Apostle#Third missionary journey|Paul the Apostle]] and their companions stopped there briefly on the return trip of Paul's third missionary journey ({{bibleverse||Acts|20:14|KJV}}), having sailed from [[Assos]] (about {{convert|50|km|0|abbr=on}} away). From Mytilene they continued towards [[Chios]] ({{bibleverse||Acts|20:15|KJV}}).

The novel ''[[Daphnis and Chloe]]'' by [[Longus]], is set in the country around it and opens with a description of the city.

Scholar and historian [[Zacharias Rhetor]], also known as Zacharias of Mytilene was from Mytilene and lived from 465 to around 536. He was made Bishop of Mytilene and may have been a [[Chalcedonian Christian]]. He either died or was deposed between 536 and 553.<ref>[https://archive.org/stream/cu31924027994726#page/n5/mode/2up The Syriac Chronicle Known as That of Zachariah of Mitylene] accessed July 31, 2014</ref>

The city of Mytilene was also home to 9th century Byzantine saints who were brothers, Archbishop George, [[Symeon Stylites of Lesbos|Symeon Stylites]], and David the Monk. The [[Church of St. Symeon, Mytilene]] venerates one of the three brothers.

Catching the eye of the Empress [[Zoë Porphyrogenita]], [[Constantine IX Monomachos]] was exiled to Mytilene on the island of Lesbos by her second husband, [[Michael IV the Paphlagonian]]. The death of Michael IV and the overthrow of Michael V in 1042 led to Constantine being recalled from his place of exile and appointed as a judge in Greece.<ref>Finlay George "History of the Byzantine Empire from 716 – 1057" William Blackwood & Sons, 1853</ref>
 
Lesbos and Mytilene had an established [[Jews|Jewish population]] since ancient times. In 1170, [[Benjamin of Tudela]] found ten small Jewish communities on the island.<ref>[http://www.jewishpress.com/indepth/analysis/before-the-deluge-jews-of-the-mediterranean-islands/2011/10/26/2/?print Before The Deluge: Jews Of The Mediterranean Islands (Part I)] accessed July 31, 2014</ref>

In the Middle Ages, it was part of the [[Byzantine Empire]] and was occupied for some time by the [[Seljuqs]] under [[Tzachas]] in 1085. In 1198, the [[Republic of Venice]] obtained the right to commerce from the city's port.

In the 13th century, it was captured by the [[Emperor of Nicaea]], [[Theodore I Laskaris]]. In 1335, the Byzantines, with the help of [[Ottoman Empire|Ottoman]] forces, reconquered the island, then property of the Genoese nobleman [[Domenico Cattaneo]]. In 1355, emperor [[John V Palaiologos]] gave it to the Genoese adventurer [[Francesco I Gattilusio|Francesco Gattilusio]], who married the emperor's sister, Maria. They renovated the fortress in 1373, and it remained in Genoese hands until 1462, when it was [[Ottoman conquest of Lesbos#Siege|besieged and captured]] by the Ottoman sultan [[Mehmed the Conqueror]].

As part of the wider [[Great Turkish War]], the [[Battle of Mytilene (1690)|Battle of Mytilene]] took place off the coast of Mytilene in 1690 when Venetian sailing ships attacked Ottoman and [[Barbary pirates|Barbary]] flagships. Resulting in a victory for the Venetians.<ref name=":1">{{Cite journal |last=Candiani |first=Guido |date=2018-01-02 |title=A New Battle Fleet: The evolution of the Ottoman sailing navy, 1650–1718, revealed through Venetian sources |url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00253359.2018.1411096 |journal=The Mariner's Mirror |language=en |volume=104 |issue=1 |pages=18–26 |doi=10.1080/00253359.2018.1411096 |s2cid=165635839 |issn=0025-3359|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

Mytilene along with the rest of Lesbos remained under Ottoman control until the [[First Balkan War]] in 1912, when in November it was [[Battle of Lesbos (1912)|captured]] by the [[Kingdom of Greece]].

==Geography and climate==
{{wide image|Panorama Mytilini.jpg|900px|align-cap=center|View of the seafront}}

Mytilene is located in the southeastern part of the island, north and east of the Bay of Gera. Its municipal unit has a land area of {{convert|107.46|km2}}<ref name=stat01>{{cite web|url=http://dlib.statistics.gr/Book/GRESYE_02_0101_00098%20.pdf |publisher=National Statistical Service of Greece |title=Population & housing census 2001 (incl. area and average elevation) |language=el |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150921212047/http://dlib.statistics.gr/Book/GRESYE_02_0101_00098%20.pdf |archive-date=2015-09-21 }}</ref> and a population of 41,379 inhabitants (2021).<ref name=census21/> With a [[population density]] of 390/km<sup>2</sup> it is by far the most densely populated municipal unit in Lesbos. The next largest towns in the municipal unit are Loutrá (pop. 1,339), Pámfila (1,264), and Mória (1,237). The [[Greek National Road 36]] connects Mytilene with [[Kalloni]]. Farmlands surround Mytilene, the mountains cover the west and to the north. The [[Mytilene International Airport|airport]] is located a few kilometres south of town.

=== Municipal units ===
[[File:Mytilini dimos.png|thumb|180px|Map with the borders of the Municipality of Mytilene and main settlements (in red)]]
The municipality, as created in 2019, consists of the following six subdivisions:<ref name=gazette/>
* [[Agiasos]]
* [[Evergetoulas]]
* [[Gera, Lesbos|Gera]]
* [[Loutropoli Thermis]]
* Mytilene
* [[Plomari]]

Each municipal unit is subdivided into municipal communities. The communities of the municipal unit of Mytilene are:
* Afalonas
* [[Agia Marina, Lesbos|Agia Marina]]
* Alyfanta
* Loutra
* Moria
* Mytilene
* Pamfila
* [[Panagiouda]]
* Taxiarches

===Province===
The province of Mytilene ({{langx|el|Επαρχία Μυτιλήνης}}) was one of the [[provinces of Greece|provinces]] of the Lesbos Prefecture. Its territory corresponded with that of the current municipal units Mytilene, [[Agiasos]], [[Evergetoulas]], [[Gera, Greece|Gera]], [[Loutropoli Thermis]], [[Mantamados]] and [[Polichnitos]].<ref name=census91>{{cite web|url=http://dlib.statistics.gr/Book/GRESYE_02_0101_00086.pdf |title=Detailed census results 1991 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303183824/http://dlib.statistics.gr/Book/GRESYE_02_0101_00086.pdf |archive-date=2016-03-03 }}&nbsp;{{small|(39&nbsp;MB)}} {{in lang|el|fr}}</ref> It was abolished in 2006.

===Climate===
Mytilene has a hot-summer [[Mediterranean climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification|Köppen]]: ''Csa'') with hot, dry summers and cool, rainy winters.{{Weather box
| location = Mytilene (1955-2010)
| metric first = yes
| single line = yes
| Jan record high C = 20.2
| Feb record high C = 21.3
| Mar record high C = 28.0
| Apr record high C = 31.0
| May record high C = 35.0
| Jun record high C = 40.0
| Jul record high C = 39.5
| Aug record high C = 38.2
| Sep record high C = 36.2
| Oct record high C = 30.8
| Nov record high C = 27.0
| Dec record high C = 22.5
| year record high C = 40.0
| Jan high C = 12.2
| Feb high C = 12.8
| Mar high C = 15.0
| Apr high C = 19.3
| May high C = 24.3
| Jun high C = 28.9
| Jul high C = 31.0
| Aug high C = 30.8
| Sep high C = 27.0
| Oct high C = 22.0
| Nov high C = 17.4
| Dec high C = 13.9
| year high C = 
| Jan mean C = 9.6
| Feb mean C = 9.9
| Mar mean C = 11.9
| Apr mean C = 15.8
| May mean C = 20.5
| Jun mean C = 25.0
| Jul mean C = 27.0
| Aug mean C = 26.6
| Sep mean C = 23.2
| Oct mean C = 18.7
| Nov mean C = 14.5
| Dec mean C = 11.4
| year mean C =
| Jan low C = 6.8
| Feb low C = 7.0
| Mar low C = 8.2
| Apr low C = 11.4
| May low C = 15.3
| Jun low C = 19.6
| Jul low C = 22.0
| Aug low C = 21.7
| Sep low C = 18.6
| Oct low C = 15.0
| Nov low C = 11.4
| Dec low C = 8.7
| year low C =
| Jan record low C = -4.4
| Feb record low C = -3.0
| Mar record low C = -1.2
| Apr record low C = 4.0
| May record low C = 8.4
| Jun record low C = 11.0
| Jul record low C = 15.8
| Aug record low C = 16.3
| Sep record low C = 10.9
| Oct record low C = 5.2
| Nov record low C = 1.4
| Dec record low C = -1.4
| year record low C = -4.4
|precipitation colour = green
| Jan precipitation mm = 111.0
| Feb precipitation mm = 96.2
| Mar precipitation mm = 70.1
| Apr precipitation mm = 44.8
| May precipitation mm = 19.8
| Jun precipitation mm = 6.4
| Jul precipitation mm = 2.0
| Aug precipitation mm = 2.7
| Sep precipitation mm = 12.4
| Oct precipitation mm = 43.9
| Nov precipitation mm = 97.1
| Dec precipitation mm = 138.7
| year precipitation mm = 
| Jan precipitation days = 12.8
| Feb precipitation days = 11.6
| Mar precipitation days = 10.4
| Apr precipitation days = 9.3
| May precipitation days = 5.6
| Jun precipitation days = 2.7
| Jul precipitation days = 1.0
| Aug precipitation days = 0.8
| Sep precipitation days = 2.9
| Oct precipitation days = 6.5
| Nov precipitation days = 10.0
| Dec precipitation days = 13.6
| year precipitation days = 
| Jan humidity = 72.0
| Feb humidity = 70.4
| Mar humidity = 67.4
| Apr humidity = 64.3
| May humidity = 62.5
| Jun humidity = 57.7
| Jul humidity = 56.3
| Aug humidity = 57.9
| Sep humidity = 60.7
| Oct humidity = 66.9
| Nov humidity = 71.7
| Dec humidity = 72.8
| year humidity = 
| source 1 = [[HNMS]]<ref>{{cite web
|url = http://oldportal.emy.gr/emy/en/climatology/climatology_city?perifereia=North+Aegean&poli=Mytilini
|title = Climatic Data for selected stations in Greece: Mytilini (North Aegean)
|access-date = 5 September 2025
}}</ref>
| source 2 = NOAA (extremes 1961-1990)<ref name= NOAA>{{Cite web |title=HERAKLION Climate Normals 1961–1990 |url=https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/data/normals-old/WMO/1961-1990/RA-VI/GR/16667.TXT | publisher = [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]]|access-date=5 September 2025 }}</ref>}}

==Demographics==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Year !!  Town population !! Municipality population
|-
| 1981 || 24,991 || –
|-
| 1991 || 23,971 || 33,157
|-
| 2001 || 27,247 || 36,196
|-
| 2011 || 29,656 || 37,890
|-
| 2021 || 33,523 || 59,034
|}

==Districts==
[[File:Mytilini - Präfektur von Lesbos.jpg|thumb|Prefecture of Lesbos, Kountourioti Street]]

*Agorá
*Chalikas (upper and lower)
*Chrisomallousa
*Epano Skala
*Kallithea
*Kamares
*Ladadika
*Lagada
*Pyrgélia
*[[Sourada, Mytilene|Sourada]]
*Lazaretto/Vounaraki

===Main streets===
*Ermou Street
*Kavetsou St
*El. Venizelou St
*Elyti St
*Kountourioti St
*Theofrastou St
*Vernardaki St,
*Vournazon St. 
*Eftalioti St. 
*Myrivili St. 

==Economy==
[[File:Λαδοτύρι 7719.jpg|thumb|180px|[[Ladotyri Mytilinis]]]]
[[File:Tastingouzo.jpg|thumb|120px|A bottle of ''[[Ouzo Plomari]]'']]

Mytilene has a port with ferries to the nearby islands of [[Lemnos]] and [[Chios]] and [[Ayvalık]] and at times [[Dikili]] in Turkey. The port also serves the mainland cities of [[Piraeus]], [[Athens]] and [[Thessaloniki]]. One ship, named during the 2001 [[IAAF]] games in [[Edmonton]] ''Aeolus Kenteris'', after [[Kostas Kenteris]], used to serve this city (his hometown) with 6-hour routes from Athens and Thessaloniki. The main port serving Mytilene on the Greek mainland is [[Piraeus]].

The city produces [[ouzo]]. There are more than 15 commercial producers on the island.

The city exports also [[sardines]] harvested from the Bay of [[Kalloni]], [[olive oil]], [[Ladotyri Mytilinis|ladotyri]] cheese and [[woodwork]].

==Landmarks and urban architecture==
[[File:Archontiko.JPG|thumb|Old mansion, one of the many in the city]]
[[File:Statue mytilene.jpg|thumb|The [[Statue of Liberty (Mytilene)|Liberty Statue of Mytilene]].]]

The town of Mytilene has a large number of [[neoclassicism|neoclassical]] buildings, public and private houses. Some of them are the building of the Lesbos Prefecture, the old City Hall, the Experimental Lyceum and various mansions and hotels all over the town.

The [[Baroque architecture|Baroque]] church of [[Saint Therapon (Mytilene)|Saint Therapon]] dominates at the port with its impressive style.

*[[Ancient Theatre of Mytilene]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Greeka|url=https://www.greeka.com/eastern-aegean/lesvos/sightseeing/ancient-theater-lesvos}}</ref>
*[[Archaeological Museum of Mytilene]] 
*[[Castle of Mytilene]]
*[[Church of Saint Symeon, Mytilene]]
*[[Catholic Church of Assumption of Theotokos, Mytilene|Catholic Church of Theotokos]], where part of the relics of [[Saint Valentine]] are kept <ref>{{cite web|title=Tripadvisor|url=https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1450327-d10486248-Reviews-Catholic_Church_of_the_Assumption_of_Virgin_Mary-Mytilene_Lesbos_Northeast_Aege.html}}</ref>
*[[Çarşı Hamam, Mytilene|Çarşı Hamam]] ("Market Bath")
*[[Ecclesiastical Byzantine Museum of Mytilene]]<ref>{{cite web|title=AegeanVacation|url=https://www.aegeanvacation.com/byzantine-ecclesiastical-museum-of-mytilene}}</ref>
*[[Folk Art Museum of Mytilene]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Folk art|url=https://www.greeka.com/eastern-aegean/lesvos/sightseeing/lesvos-building-old-port-authority}}</ref>
*[[Monastery of Agios Raphael]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Iera Moni|url=https://www.ieramoni-agiou-rafail.gr/en}}</ref>
*[[Museum of Costume and Embroidery of Lesvos]]
*[[Sappho Square]], where the statue of the [[Ancient Greek]] poet [[Sappho]] is located <ref>{{cite web|title=Sappho square|url=https://foursquare.com/v/%CF%80%CE%BB%CE%B1%CF%84%CE%B5%CE%AF%CE%B1-%CF%83%CE%B1%CF%80%CF%86%CE%BF%CF%8D%CF%82-sappho-square/4cc1e8e301fb236a7f969bba}}</ref>
*[[Statue of Liberty (Mytilene)]]
*[[Theofilos Museum]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Theofilos|url=https://www.greeka.com/eastern-aegean/lesvos/sightseeing/theophilos-museum}}</ref>
*[[Yeni Mosque, Mytilene]]
*[[Valide Mosque, Mytilene]]
*[[The Roman aqueduct of Mória]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Roman aqueduct|date=19 March 2021 |url=https://www.archaeology.wiki/blog/2021/03/19/the-roman-aqueduct-at-moria}}</ref>
*[[Teriade Museum]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Teriade|url=https://www.museumteriade.gr}}</ref>
*[[Agora of Ermou street]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Ermou|url=https://www.greekgastronomyguide.gr/en/item/odos-ermou-mitilini-lesvos}}</ref>
*[[Stoa of Mytilene]], [[Hellinistic]] [[stoa]] in the area of Epano skala <ref>{{cite web|title=Stoa|date=22 February 2017 |url=https://www.efales.gr/sight/arhaiologikos-horos-ellinistikis-stoas-kai-epithalassioy-amyntikoy-teihoys}}</ref>

==Archaeology==
[[File:Ρωμαικό υδραγωγείο Μόριας 1.jpg|thumb|200px|The Roman aqueduct of Mória]]
[[File:ΑΡΧΑΙΟ ΘΕΑΤΡΟ ΜΥΤΙΛΗΝΗΣ.jpg|thumb|200px|Remains of the ancient theatre]]
[[File:Kastro Mytilinis (13).jpg|thumb|200px|View of the [[Castle of Mytilene]]]]
[[File:Η πόλη της Μυτιλήνης μέσα από το κάστρο.jpg|thumb|200px|View to the city]]

Archaeological investigations at Mytilene began in the late 19th century when Robert Koldewey (later excavator of [[Babylon]]) and a group of German colleagues spent many months on the island preparing plans of the visible remains at various ancient sites like Mytilene.  Significant excavations, however, do not seem to have started until after the First World War when in the mid-1920s Evangelides uncovered much of the famous theatre (according to Plutarch it was the inspiration for Pompey's theatre in Rome in 55 BC, the first permanent stone theatre in Rome) on the hill on the western side of town. Subsequent work in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s by various members of the Archaeological Service revealed more of the theatre, including a Roman conversion to a gladiatorial arena.  Salvage excavations carried out by the Archaeological Service in many areas of the city have revealed sites going back to the Early Bronze Age although most have been much later (Hellenistic and Roman).  Particularly significant is a large stoa over a hundred metres long recently dug on the North Harbour of the city.  It is clear from various remains in different parts of the city that Mytilene was indeed laid out on a grid plan as the Roman architect [[Vitruvius]] had written.{{Citation needed|date=May 2008}}

Archaeological excavations carried out between 1984 and 1994 in the [[Castle of Mytilene]] by the [[University of British Columbia]] and directed by Caroline and Hector Williams revealed a previously unknown sanctuary of [[Demeter]] and [[Kore (sculpture)|Kore]] of late classical/Hellenistic date and the burial chapel of the [[Gattelusi]], the medieval [[Genoa|Genoese]] family that ruled the northern Aegean from the mid-14th to mid-15th centuries of our era. The Demeter sanctuary included five altars for sacrifices to Demeter and Kore and later also to Cybele, the great mother goddess of Anatolia.  Among the discoveries were thousands of oil lamps, terracotta figurines, loom weights and other dedications to the goddesses. Numerous animal bones, especially of piglets, also appeared. The Chapel of St. John served as the church of the castle and as a burial place for the Gattelusi family and its dependents. Although conversion to a mosque after the Ottoman capture of the city in 1462 resulted in the destruction of many graves, some remained. The great earthquake of February 1867 damaged the building beyond repair and it was demolished; the Ottomans built a new mosque over the ruins to replace it later in the 19th century.

Other excavations done jointly with the 20th Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities near the North Harbour of the city uncovered a multiperiod site with remains extending from a late Ottoman cemetery (including a "vampire" burial, a middle aged man with {{convert|20|cm|0|abbr=on}} spikes through his neck, middle and ankles) to a substantial Roman building constructed around a colonnaded courtyard (probably a tavern/brothel in its final phase in the mid-4th century AD) to remains of [[Hellenistic]] structures and debris from different Hellenistic manufacturing processes (pottery, figurines, cloth making and dyeing, bronze and iron working) to archaic and classical levels with rich collections of [[Aeolic]] grey wares. A section of the late classical city wall runs across the site which was close to the channel that divided the mainland from the off shore island part of the city. Considerable remains of the two moles that protected the large North Harbour of the city are still visible just below or just breaking the surface of the sea; it functioned as the commercial harbour of the ancient city although today it is a quiet place where a few small fishing boats are moored.  {{Citation needed|date=May 2008}}

The city has two excellent archaeological museums, one by the south harbour in an old mansion and the other two hundred metres further north in a large new purpose built structure.  The former contains the rich Bronze Age remains from Thermi, a site north of Mytilene dug by the British in the 1930s as well as extensive pottery and figurine displays; the former coach house accommodates ancient inscriptions, architectural pieces, and coins.  The latter museum is especially rich in [[mosaic]]s and [[sculpture]], including the famous late [[Ancient Rome|Roman]] mosaic floor from the "House of Menander" with scenes from plays by that Athenian 4th-century BC playwright.  There are also mosaics and finds from other Roman mansions excavated by the [[Greek Archaeological Service]] under the direction of the archeologist Aglaia Archontidou-Argyri.

==Education==
{{See also|University of the Aegean}}
[[File:Experimental Lyseum School of Mytilene.JPG|thumb|200px|Experimental Lyceum School of Mytilene]]

There are 15 primary schools in Mytilene, along with seven [[Secondary education|lyceums]], and eight [[Gymnasium (school)|gymnasiums]].{{Citation needed|date=February 2008}} There are six university schools with 3671 undergraduates, the largest in the [[University of the Aegean]]. Here also is the Headquarters, the Central Library and the Research Committee of Aegean University. The University of Aegean is housed in privately owned buildings, in rented buildings located in the city centre and in modern buildings on the University Hill.

==Refugee camps==

By 2015, the city of Mytilene had become a primary entry point for refugees and migrants who seek to pass through Greece to resettle elsewhere in Europe. In 2015, over half a million people arrived in Lesbos.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.migrationpolicy.org/article/refugee-flows-lesvos-evolution-humanitarian-response|title=Refugee Flows to Lesvos: Evolution of a Humanitarian Response|date=2016-01-28|work=migrationpolicy.org|access-date=2017-12-10|language=en}}</ref> The number of individuals coming through Lesbos has dwindled since the signing of the [[EU-Turkey deal]] which restricted the number of refugees that could legally resettle in Europe.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/qa-eu-turkey-deal-2090291043|title=Q&A: EU-Turkey refugee deal explained|work=Middle East Eye|access-date=2017-12-10|language=en}}</ref> {{As of|2017|7}}, seventy to eighty refugees were still arriving in Greece daily despite the deal and "many of them on Lesbos", according to Daniel Esdras, the chief of the [[International Organization for Migration]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dw.com/en/violence-becoming-commonplace-in-moria-refugee-camp/a-39793594|title=Violence becoming commonplace in Moria refugee camp {{!}} Germany Guide for Refugees {{!}} DW {{!}} 21.07.2017|last=(www.dw.com)|first=Deutsche Welle|website=DW.COM|language=en|access-date=2017-12-10}}</ref>

* [[Mória Refugee Camp|Mória Reception & Identification Centre]] (in Greek : Κέντρο Υποδοχής και Ταυτοποίησης Μόριας), better known as ''Mória Refugee Camp'', or just "Mória", was the biggest refugee camp in Europe.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.unhcr.org/protection/operations/5645ddbc6/greece-factsheet-lesvos-island.html|title=LESVOS ISLAND - GREECE|website=UNHCR}}</ref> It was located outside the village of Moria ({{langx|el|Μόρια}} ''Mória''). Enclosed by barbed wire and a chain-link fence, the military camp served as a European Union [[hotspot camp]]. It burned down and was permanently closed in September 2020. A new closed reception centre will be built in 2021 at Vastria near Nees Kydonies.<ref name="avgi.gr">{{Cite web|date=2020-11-30|title=Λέσβος / Ετοιμάζουν κλειστή δομή για τους πρόσφυγες στη Βάστρια|url=https://www.avgi.gr/koinonia/373204_etoimazoyn-kleisti-domi-gia-toys-prosfyges-sti-bastria|access-date=2020-12-16|website=Αυγή|language=el}}</ref>
* [[Kara Tepe Refugee Camp]] is a camp which has been transformed into a living space for around 700 refugees classified as vulnerable.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.ekathimerini.com/211001/article/ekathimerini/community/lesvos-refugee-camp-transformed-by-activities-classes|title=Lesvos refugee camp transformed by activities, classes, Anthi Pazianou {{!}} Kathimerini|access-date=2017-12-10|language=en}}</ref> It will be replaced by a new closed reception centre at Vastria near Nees Kydonies in 2021.<ref name="avgi.gr"/>
* [[Pikpa camp]] or Lesbos Solidarity, once a children's holiday camp, aims to support the most vulnerable refugees who pass through Mytilene: families with children, the disabled, women who are pregnant, and the injured. The camp focuses on humanitarian aid and on providing for the various needs of refugees, including food, medical help, clothing, and psychological support.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.lesvossolidarity.org/index.php/en/teams/psycho-social-support|title=lesvossolidarity.org|website=www.lesvossolidarity.org|language=en-gb|access-date=2017-12-10}}</ref>

==Sporting clubs==
[[File:Tarlas, the Mytilene Municipal Stadium, September 2012.jpg|thumb|200px|[[Mytilene Municipal Stadium]]]]

*[[Aiolikos F.C.]], football club
*[[Sappho Lesvou F.C.]], women's football club

==Media==

===Radio===
{| class="wikitable"
!Frequency
!Name
!Year of establishment
|-
|88,2 MHz
|Love Mitilini
|2003
|-
|90,0 MHz
|Radio Mytilini
|1989
|-
|91,6 MHz
|Rythmos Radio
|2005
|-
|92,3 MHz
|First Program
|1938
|-
|92,8 MHz
|Aeolos FM 92.8
|1989
|-
|93,2 MHz
|Astra FM 93,2
|2000
|-
|93,3 MHz
|Voice of the Church
|2000
|-
|94,3 MHz
|Second Program
|1952
|-
|97,2 MHz
|Third Program
|1954
|-
|97,6 MHz
|Local 9.72 Mytilini
|1990
|-
|98,6 MHz
|Best FM Lesvos
|1992
|-
|99,0 MHz
|On the Island 99 FM
|2019
|-
|99,4 MHz
|ERT Aegean
|1989
|-
|101.5 MHz
|Slam
|2015
|-
|103,0 MHz
|ERT Aegean
|1989
|-
|104,4 MHz
|ERT Aegean
|1989
|-
|104,8 MHz
|Piraeus Church
|1988
|-
|105,8 MHz
|Piraeus Church
|1988
|-
|105,9 MHz
|[[Second Programme|Second Program]]
|1952
|-
|106,4 MHz
|Third Program
|1954
|-
|107,4 MHZ
|Piraeus Church
|1988
|-
|107,9 MHz
|ERT Sports
|1993
|}

===TV===
A regional television station operates from the city of Mytilene; Aeolos TV.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aeolos TV |url=https://aeolos.tv/}}</ref>

===Newspapers===
The main printed newspapers of the city are ''Empros'', ''Ta Nea tis Lesvou'', and ''Dimokratis''. Online newspapers include ''Aeolos'',<ref>{{cite news |title=Aeolos |url=https://aeolos.tv}}</ref> ''Stonisi'',<ref>{{cite news |title=Stonisi |url=https://www.stonisi.gr}}</ref> ''Emprosnet'',<ref>{{cite news |title=Emprosnet |url=https://www.emprosnet.gr}}</ref> ''Lesvosnews'',<ref>{{cite news |title=Lesvosnews |url=https://www.lesvosnews.net}}</ref> ''Lesvospost'',<ref>{{cite news |title=Lesvospost |url=https://www.lesvospost.com}}</ref> and ''Kalloninews''.<ref>{{Cite news |title=kalloninews |url=https://kalloninews.gr/}}</ref>

==Notable Mytileneans==
<!--only list those not mentioned above-->

===Ancient===
[[File:NAMA Sappho lisant.jpg|thumb|180px|right|Red-figure vase (hydria) with [[Sappho]]]]
*[[Alcaeus of Mytilene|Alcaeus]] (6th century BC), Greek poet.<ref>D. Gerber, ''Greek Lyric I: Sappho and Alcaeus'' (1982).</ref>
*[[Sappho]], Ancient Greek Lyric Poet. Plato called her "wise" and "Tenth Muse".
*[[Pittacus of Mytilene|Pittacus]] ({{Circa|640}}–568 BC), one of the [[Seven Sages of Greece]].
*[[Hellanicus of Lesbos|Hellanicus]] (mid-5th century BC), Greek historian.<ref>Hellanikos von Mytilene, ''Die Fragmente der Griechischen Historiker'' no. 4.</ref>
*[[Theophrastus]], Ancient Greek philosopher, student of Aristotle. 
*[[Laomedon of Mytilene]] (4th BC), general of [[Alexander the Great]]
*[[Chares of Mytilene|Chares]] (4th century BC), Greek historian and chamberlain to [[Alexander the Great]].<ref>Chares von Mytilene, ''Die Fragmente der Griechischen Historiker'' no. 125.</ref>
*[[Scamon of Mytilene|Scamon]] (4th century BC), Greek historian and son of Hellanicus.<ref>Skamon of Mytilene, ''Brill's New Pauly'' no. 476.</ref>
*[[Praxiphanes]] (4th century BC), Greek philosopher.<ref>F. Wehrli, ''Phainias von Eresos, Chamaileon, Praxiphanes'' (1945).</ref>
*[[Epicurus]], Greek philosopher.<ref>{{Cite book|chapter-url=https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/epicurus/#Life|title = The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy|chapter = Epicurus|year = 2018|publisher = Metaphysics Research Lab, Stanford University}}</ref>
*[[Aeschines of Mytilene|Aeschines]], Greek rhetorician.<ref>Diogenes Laertius 2.64.</ref>
*[[Eunicus]], Greek sculptor and silversmith.
*[[Hermarchus]] (3rd century BC), Greek philosopher.<ref>F. Longo Aurrichio, ''Ermarcho. Frammenti'' (1988).</ref>
*[[Diophanes]] (2nd century BC), Greek rhetorician.<ref>Plutarch, ''Vit. Ti. Gracch. 8.5.''</ref>
*[[Lesbonax]] (1st century BC), Greek sophist and rhetorician.
*[[Archytas of Mytilene]], Greek musician
*[[Crinagoras of Mytilene|Crinagoras]] (70 BC-18 AD), Greek epigrammatist and ambassador, poet of "Palatine Poetry".
*[[Theophanes of Mytilene|Theophanes]], middle of 1st century BC, Greek statesman, close friend of [[Pompey the Great]].<ref>[[Theophanes of Mytilene]], ''Brill's New Jacoby'' no. 188.</ref>
*[[Potamon of Mytilene|Potamon]] (1st century AD), Greek rhetorician.<ref>Potamon of Mytilene, ''Die Fragmente der Griechischen Historiker continued Part IV'' no. 1085.</ref>

===Medieval===
*[[Santa Thomais]] (910–1030), nun, philanthropist and healer
*[[Christopher of Mytilene]] (11th century), Greek poet.<ref>E. Follieri, ''I calendari in metro innografico di Cristoforo Mitileneo''(1980).</ref>

===Modern===
[[File:Georgios Iakovidis (1927).jpg|thumb|140px|[[Georgios Jakobides]]]]
[[File:Odysseas Elytis 1974.jpg|thumb|140px|[[Odysseas Elytis]]]]

*[[Hayreddin Barbarossa]]  (1478–1546), Ottoman admiral
*[[Oruç Reis]]  (1478–1518), Ottoman bey
*[[Saint Parthenios]] (1600–1657), Patriarch of Constantinople and religious martyr
*[[Palaiologos Lemonis]], member of [[Filiki Etaireia]]
*[[Dimitrios Skambas]] (1992–present), Greek-American financier, youngest Partner at Bannockburn Global Forex in NYC. Parents from Pamfila, Lesvos.
*[[Theophilos Hatzimihail]] ({{circa|1870}}–1934), Greek painter
*[[P. M. Kourtzis]], shipowner, founder of Aegean Steamship Company (1883)
*[[Gregorios Bernardakis]], philologist
*[[Demetrios Bernardakis]], playwright
*[[Stratis Myrivilis]] (1892–1969), Greek writer
*[[Odysseas Elytis]] (1911–1996), Greek poet, Nobel Laureate in 1979
*[[Argyris Eftaliotis]] (1849–1923) (née Cleanthis Michailidis), Greek writer
*[[Fotis Kontoglou]] (Aivali/Kydonies, origin from Mytilene) (1895–1965) Greek writer and painter.
*[[Georgios Jakobides]], painter
*[[Hermon di Giovanno]] ({{circa|1900}}–1968), Greek painter
*[[Nikos Fermas]] (1905–1972), Greek actor
*[[Irini Mouchou]] (born 1987), triathlete 
*[[Giorgos Mouflouzelis]] (1912–1991), Greek composer of rebetiko
*[[Panagiotis Polychronis]] (1854–1941), Greek artist: photographer, lithographist and painter.
*[[Leo Rapitis]] (1906–1957), Greek singer
*[[Konstantinos Kenteris]] (born 1973), Greek athlete
*[[Alexis Panselinos]] (1903–1984), Greek writer
*[[Sophocles Vournazos]] (1853–1889), Greek philanthropist and founder of Mytilene's academic buildings.
*[[Tériade]] (1889–1983), Greek art critic, patron, and publisher
*[[Ahmed Djemal Pasha]]  (1872–1922), Ottoman military leader, perpetrator of the [[Armenian genocide]]
*[[Tamburi Ali Efendi]]  (1836–1902), Turkish musician
*[[Nicholas Kampas]] (1857–1932), Greek poet
*[[Argyris Adalis]], architect
*[[Nicholas Athanasiadis]] (1904–1990), Greek theatre writer, literature writer, poet. 
*[[Ioannis Hatzidaniel]] (1850–1912), Greek painter and photographer.
*[[Solon Lekkas]], singer of traditional music from Asia Minor.
*[[Giannis Bournellis]], comedian, actor.
*[[Christos Touramanis]], particle physicist
*Giorgos Manousos, (born 1987), football player
*[[Praxitelis Vouros]], (born 1995), football player
*[[Michalis Pavlis]]  (born 1989), football player and coach
*[[Anastasios Chatzigiovanis]], football player

===Fictional===
*Lysimachus, in [[William Shakespeare|Shakespeare's]] ''[[Pericles, Prince of Tyre]]''

==International relations==
{{See also|List of twin towns and sister cities in Greece}}

===Twin towns – sister cities===
Mytilene is [[twin towns and sister cities|twinned]] with:<ref>{{cite web |title=Αδελφοποιημένες Πόλεις|url=http://www.mytilene.gr/%CE%B4%CE%AE%CE%BC%CE%BF%CF%82-%CE%BC%CF%85%CF%84%CE%B9%CE%BB%CE%AE%CE%BD%CE%B7%CF%82/%CE%B1%CE%B4%CE%B5%CE%BB%CF%86%CE%BF%CF%80%CE%BF%CE%B9%CE%B7%CE%BC%CE%AD%CE%BD%CE%B5%CF%82-%CF%80%CF%8C%CE%BB%CE%B5%CE%B9%CF%82/|website=mytilene.gr|publisher=Mytilene|language=el|access-date=2020-01-09}}</ref>
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
*{{flagicon|GRC}} [[Corfu (city)|Corfu]], Greece
*{{flagicon|GRE}} [[Kalamaria]], Greece
*{{flagicon|GRC}} [[Lamia (city)|Lamia]], Greece
*{{flagicon|GRC}} [[Preveza]], Greece
*{{flagicon|CYP}} [[Paphos]], Cyprus
*{{flagicon|USA}} [[Portland, Maine|Portland]], [[Maine]], United States
*{{flagicon|JPN}} [[Setouchi, Okayama|Setouchi]], [[Okayama Prefecture]], Japan (1982)
*{{flagicon|BIH}} [[Brod, Bosnia and Herzegovina|Brod]], Bosnia and Herzegovina
{{div col end}}

===Consulates===
In the past the city hosted consulates from different European countries. Currently hosts [[consulates]] from the following countries:
*{{flagicon|FRA}} [[Diplomatic missions of France|France]]

==Gallery==
<gallery class="center">
File:Archäologisches Museum Mytilini 03 - Vasen.jpg|Exhibits at the [[Archaeological Museum of Mytilene]]
File:Agios Therapontas Lesvos.jpg|Church of St. Therapon by night
File:Mytilini - Rathaus.jpg|The city hall
File:Hotel Pyrgos Mytilinis.JPG|Hotel ''Pyrgos''
File:Mytilene 2005.jpg|Panoramic view
File:Mytilene 7-01 (38).jpg|Zoodochos Pigi church
File:Mytilini - Tsarsi Hamam01.jpg|[[Çarşı Hamam, Mytilene]]
File:Mytilene 7-01 (54).jpg|Street of Mytilene 
File:Mytilene D81 3598 (37921000114).jpg|Traditional wood carving
File:Mytilene D81 3585 (37921005834).jpg|A chapel
File:Hotel Olympias.JPG|Hotel Olympias
File:Cathedral of Saint Athanasios in Mytilene.jpg|Cathedral of Saint Athanasios
File:Ναός Άγιος Αθανάσιος Μυτιλήνη.jpg|Belltower of St Athanasius
File:Theofilos association building.jpg|Building of Theofilos art association
File:Mytilene 7-01 (77).jpg|Mytilene in snow
File:Fortezza di Mitilene 01.jpg|[[Castle of Mytilene]]
</gallery>

==See also==
*[[List of ancient Greek cities]]
*[[List of settlements in Lesbos]]
*[[University of the Aegean]]
*[[Mytilene International Airport]]
*[[Ministry for the Aegean]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Mytilene}}
*{{Official website|http://www.mytilini.gr/}} {{in lang|el}}
*[http://www.lesvoscalendars.eu/ Calendar of Lesvos]
*[http://www.lesvosgreece.gr/en Tourist Guide of Mytilene-Lesvos] {{in lang|el|en|tr}}

{{North Aegean}}
{{Mytilene div}}
{{Capitals of Peripheries of Greece}}
{{Landmarks of Lesbos}}
{{Third Journey of Paul of Tarsus}}<!---Note that article does not mention him, nor does x-ref at the top.--->
{{Prefectures and provinces of Greece}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Mytilene| ]]
[[Category:Populated places established in the 2nd millennium BC]]
[[Category:Greek regional capitals]]
[[Category:Populated places in the ancient Aegean islands]]
[[Category:Municipalities of the North Aegean]]
[[Category:Mediterranean port cities and towns in Greece]]
[[Category:Ancient Greek archaeological sites in Greece]]
[[Category:Roman sites in Greece]]
[[Category:Populated places in Lesbos]]
[[Category:Ancient Lesbos]]
[[Category:Archaeological sites on the Aegean Islands]]
[[Category:Territories of the Republic of Genoa]]
[[Category:Provinces of Greece]]
[[Category:Port cities and towns of the Aegean Sea]]
[[Category:New Testament cities]]
[[Category:Greek city-states]]