MARATHE´SIUM(Μαρθήσιον: Eth. Μαραθήσιοςan Ionian town on the coast of Lydia, south of Ephesus, and not far from the frontiers of Caria, whence Stephanus (s. v.) calls it a town of Caria. (Scylax, p. 37; Plin. Nat. 5.31.) The town at one time belonged to the Samians; but they made an exchange, and, giving it up to the Ephesians, received Neapolis in return. (Strab. 14. p. 639.) Col. Leake (Asia Minor, p. 261) believes that a few ancient ruins found at a place called Skalcanovamark the site of Marathesium, though others regard them as remains of Pygela. [L.S]