# Cestrina

> ancient Greek city in Epirus, near Filiates

**Wikidata**: [Q21645767](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q21645767)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cestria_(Epirus))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cestrina

## Summary
Cestrina was an ancient Greek city located in Epirus, near modern-day Filiates in Albania. Known by multiple names including Kestrina, Kestria, and Cestria, it was a significant settlement in antiquity, with archaeological and historical records linking it to broader Greek and Roman contexts.

## Key Facts
- **Location**: Situated in Epirus, near Filiates, Albania, with coordinates approximately 39.68084° N, 20.12248° E and 39.680339° N, 20.117681° E.
- **Aliases**: Also referred to as Kestrina, Kestria, Kestrine, Cestria, Troja, Ilium, and Ilion.
- **Classification**: Identified as a city (large human settlement) in historical records.
- **Elevation**: Located 268 meters above sea level.
- **Identifiers**:
  - Pleiades ID: 530942
  - Digital Atlas of the Roman Empire ID: 31579
  - Trismegistos Geo ID: 61110
  - Manto ID: 10149865
  - Topostext Place ID: 397201UKes
  - Google Knowledge Graph ID: /g/11gy24v1jx
- **Wikipedia Presence**: Documented in Greek (el) and English (en) Wikipedia under the title "Cestria (Epirus)."
- **Differentiation**: Explicitly noted as distinct from the ancient city of Ilium (Troy).

## FAQs
**Where was Cestrina located?**
Cestrina was an ancient Greek city in the region of Epirus, near the modern town of Filiates in Albania. Its coordinates are approximately 39.68° N, 20.12° E.

**What other names was Cestrina known by?**
The city had several aliases, including Kestrina, Kestria, Kestrine, Cestria, Troja, Ilium, and Ilion, reflecting its historical and linguistic connections.

**How is Cestrina classified in historical records?**
It is classified as a city, specifically a large human settlement, with references in academic databases like Pleiades and the Digital Atlas of the Roman Empire.

**Is Cestrina the same as Troy (Ilium)?**
No, Cestrina is explicitly differentiated from Ilium (Troy) in historical records, despite sharing some aliases like "Troja" and "Ilium."

**What is the elevation of Cestrina?**
The city was situated at an elevation of 268 meters above sea level.

## Why It Matters
Cestrina represents a critical node in the historical and cultural landscape of ancient Epirus, offering insights into Greek urbanization, regional interactions, and the broader Mediterranean world. Its multiple names and identifiers highlight its significance in both Greek and Roman contexts, while its differentiation from Ilium underscores the complexity of ancient toponymy. As an archaeological and historical site, Cestrina contributes to our understanding of ancient settlements, trade routes, and political dynamics in the Balkans.

## Notable For
- **Multiple Historical Names**: Known by at least seven different aliases, reflecting its cultural and linguistic importance.
- **Strategic Location**: Positioned near Filiates in Epirus, a region known for its historical significance in Greek and Roman history.
- **Archaeological References**: Documented in major academic databases like Pleiades, the Digital Atlas of the Roman Empire, and Trismegistos.
- **Differentiation from Ilium**: Explicitly distinguished from the legendary city of Troy, clarifying its unique identity in ancient records.

## Body
### **Geographical and Historical Context**
Cestrina was an ancient Greek city located in Epirus, a region in the northwestern part of modern-day Greece and southern Albania. The city was situated near Filiates, a town in present-day Albania, with precise coordinates recorded as 39.68084° N, 20.12248° E and 39.680339° N, 20.117681° E. Its elevation of 268 meters above sea level placed it in a strategic position, likely influencing its role in regional trade and defense.

### **Nomenclature and Identifiers**
The city is known by several names, including Kestrina, Kestria, Kestrine, Cestria, Troja, Ilium, and Ilion. These aliases reflect its historical connections to Greek and Roman cultures, as well as potential linguistic evolution over time. Despite sharing names like "Troja" and "Ilium" with the legendary city of Troy, Cestrina is explicitly differentiated from it in historical records.

Cestrina is documented in multiple academic and digital databases, including:
- **Pleiades ID**: 530942 (a gazetteer of ancient places)
- **Digital Atlas of the Roman Empire ID**: 31579 (a resource for Roman-era geography)
- **Trismegistos Geo ID**: 61110 (a database for ancient world geography)
- **Manto ID**: 10149865 (a linked data platform for ancient places)
- **Topostext Place ID**: 397201UKes (a textual database of ancient sites)
- **Google Knowledge Graph ID**: /g/11gy24v1jx (a modern knowledge base)

### **Classification and Significance**
Cestrina is classified as a city, specifically a large human settlement, indicating its importance as an urban center in antiquity. Its inclusion in Wikipedia (in Greek and English) under the title "Cestria (Epirus)" further attests to its recognized historical significance. The city’s presence in these databases and its multiple identifiers underscore its role in the broader network of ancient Mediterranean settlements.

### **Differentiation from Ilium (Troy)**
One of the most notable aspects of Cestrina is its explicit differentiation from Ilium (Troy), despite sharing some aliases. This distinction is crucial for historians and archaeologists, as it clarifies that Cestrina was a separate entity with its own historical trajectory, rather than a misidentified or conflated version of the legendary Trojan city.

### **Modern References and Research**
Cestrina’s legacy persists in modern scholarship through its inclusion in digital and academic resources. The city’s coordinates, elevation, and identifiers provide a foundation for further archaeological and historical research, allowing researchers to map its location, study its urban layout, and explore its connections to other ancient settlements in Epirus and beyond. Its documentation in platforms like Pleiades and the Digital Atlas of the Roman Empire ensures that Cestrina remains accessible to scholars and enthusiasts interested in the ancient world.