Citharizum (Greek:Κιθαρίζων) was a town and fortress on the south arm of theEuphrates[1] in theRoman province ofArmenia III. It was a place of great strength which was built by the emperorJustinian and was the residence of one of the five prefects whom that emperor placed over Roman Armenia with the title of “Dux.”[2]
According toProcopius of Caesarea, the city was located in theAsthianene region.[3] The fortress was separated fromTheodosiopolis (ancient Armenia) by a journey of four days.[4] Balabitene, a region betweenMasius andAnti-Taurus, north ofCommagene andMesopotamia, is also discussed as a possible location. Citharizum is often associated with the modern village of Keteriz.[5][6][7]
Although only a small town, it was an important point of defence for theByzantine Empire against thePersians. Justinian built a castle there, in which he stationed a garrison under the command of a duke.[5][8][9] In 613, it was taken by Ashot, a general of the Persian king,Chosroes II.[5]
The onlydiocesan bishop of the see whose name is recorded is Marcian, who attended theTrullan Council of 692.[5][8][10][11]
No longer a residential bishopric, Citharizum is today listed by theCatholic Church as atitular see.[12]
