Schiza
The Eastern Thracian city of Schiza (Σχιζἀ) was probably at the modern district Altınşehir along the northern shore of Kücükcekmece Lake. Schiza was only mentioned in passing by Anne Komene in reference to the revolt of Alexios I against Nikephoros III Botaneiates. Remains of a Byzantine monastery at Yarımburgaz Cave, along with an Early Byzantine fortress near the lake, are located here.
Fortress at Altınşehir
Traces of an early Byzantine fortress on the northern section of the lake were found. It is possible that this fortress was to protect the agricultural areas on the northern side of the lake.
On the Revolt of Alexios I against Nikephoros III Botaneiates from The Alexiad by Anna Komnene
“At the Emperor’s suggestion and suasion they set forth on the road leading to the capital. And all the men from the country-towns flocked to Alexius as volunteers and proclaimed him Emperor-the only exception were the men of Orestias who had an old grudge against him for having captured Bryennius, and therefore they adhered to the part of Botaniates. When they had reached the Athyras, they rested there for one day and then pushed on and reached Schiza (which is also a village in Thrace) and formed an entrenched camp there.”
References
Tabula Imperii Byzantini 12: Ostthrakien by Andreas Kulzer
“Doğu Trakya'da epigrafi tarihi coğrafya araştırmaları 2001” (Araştırma Sonuçları Toplantısı) by MH Sayar
“Yarımburgaz 1988” (Kazı Sonuçları Toplantısı) by Arsebük, Howell, & Özbaşaran
“Yarımburgaz Mağarası 1986” (Arkeoloji ve Sanat) by M. Ozdoğan & A. Koyunlu
“Cave Bears and Paleolithic Artifacts in Yarimburgaz Cave, Turkey: Dissecting a Palimpsest” by Stiner, Arsebuk & Howell
Sources
The Alexiad by Anna Komnene
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