Kikones

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The Kikones or Cicones were a tribe of Thracians. They lived in the area which is now in Greece and Turkey.

At the time of Odysseus their stronghold was the city of Ismara (or Ismarus), near Mount Ismara, on the south coast of Thrace.

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What Happens at Ismarus Odysseus and his men sack the city, killing many Kikones and taking women and treasure 2 . Odysseus urges a quick departure, but his men ignore him, feasting on the beach and drinking Kikones’ wine 2 . Surviving Kikones flee inland and gather reinforcements—more numerous and skilled in chariot and infantry warfare 1

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At dawn, the Kikones launch a large counterattack, described as arriving “as thick as leaves and bloom in summer” 1 . Odysseus’s forces fight until late afternoon but are overwhelmed; they flee to their ships, losing six men from each ship 2

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