Mytilene, ancient Greek city, the capital of Lésvos (Lesbos), an island in the Aegean Sea. It was colonized in early times by the Aeolians and is known as the birthplace of the poet Sappho and the philosopher Theophrastus. The city became a great naval power and established colonies in Mysia and Thrace. After the Persian Wars it became an important member of the Delian League, but it rebelled against Athenian domination in 428 BC and was defeated the following year. Mytilene (Mitilíni) fought on the side of Mithridates VI, king of Pontus, in his war against Rome (88 BC). A theater has been excavated, but little of the ancient city remains; the modern town (Mitilíni) is an export center for the island of Lésvos. Population (1991) 24,115.
