Ismarus

Ismarus is a city mentioned in Greek mythology, primarily in Homer's Odyssey. It was located in Thrace, a region in the northeastern part of the Balkan Peninsula. In the epic, Odysseus and his men raid Ismarus after leaving Troy, seeking supplies and possibly plunder. This raid proves to be a costly mistake for Odysseus.

Upon sacking the city, Odysseus's men became drunk and greedy, delaying their departure. This allowed the remaining Cicones, the inhabitants of Ismarus, to regroup and rally their allies. The Cicones launched a counterattack, inflicting heavy casualties on Odysseus's crew. Many of Odysseus's men were killed, and the survivors were forced to flee, their ships damaged and their numbers significantly reduced.

The story of the raid on Ismarus serves as an early warning in the Odyssey about the consequences of hubris and excessive indulgence. It highlights the importance of discipline and swift action, setting a somber tone for the many trials Odysseus would face on his journey home. The exact geographical location of ancient Ismarus is uncertain, but it is generally believed to have been situated near the coast of Thrace, possibly at the mouth of the Hebrus River.