Amasia

Amasia, a town in the province of Sivas, in Asia Minor, in the deep valley of the Yeshil-Irmak. The ancient town, long capital of the kings of Pontus, was the birthplace of Strabo. There are numerous interesting remains of antiquity, particularly the tombs of the kings of Pontus. Much silk is produced in and around Amasia; also wine, cotton, corn, and madder. Silver, copper, and salt mines are wrought in the neighbourhood. Silk and salt are the chief articles of export. Pop. 25,000, of whom about one-third are Christians.