Cyzicus was one of the great cities of the ancient world. According to tradition, it was founded by Pelasgians from Thessaly and later received many colonies from Miletus. Like the other Greek cities in Asia, it fell under the rule of the Persia Empire until Alexander the Great captured it in 334 B.C. In 74 B.C. the city, allied with Rome, withstood a siege by 300,000 men led by King Mithridates VI of Pontus. Rome rewarded this loyalty with territory and with municipal independence which lasted until the reign of Tiberius. When it was incorporated into the Empire, Cyzicus was made the capital of Mysia, and afterwards of Hellespontus. Dates of operation: The Cyzicus mint was opened by Gallienus (253 - 268 A.D.) and continued to strike coins well into the Byzantine era. Mintmarks: C, CM, CVZ (sometimes with the Z reversed), CVZIC, K, KVZ, MC, MK, MKV, SMK.