Citharizum

Citharizum (Greek: Κιθαρίζων) was a town and fortress on the south arm of the Euphrates[1] in the Roman province of Armenia III.

It was a place of great strength which was built by the emperor Justinian and was the residence of one of the five prefects whom that emperor placed over Roman Armenia with the title of “Dux.”[2] According to Procopius of Caesarea, the city was located in the Asthianene region.

[4] Balabitene, a region between Masius and Anti-Taurus, north of Commagene and Mesopotamia, is also discussed as a possible location.

[5][6][7] Although only a small town, it was an important point of defence for the Byzantine Empire against the Persians.

[5][8][10][11] No longer a residential bishopric, Citharizum is today listed by the Catholic Church as a titular see.