Biannus

Biannus or Biannos, or Biennus or Biennos, also Bienna, was an inland town and polis of ancient Crete [1]. It appears in the list of 22 cities of Crete of the sixth-century Byzantine geographer Hierocles [1]. According to the Stadiasmus Maris Magni, it was 170 stadia from Hierapytna and 270 stadia from Leben [1]. The contest of Otus and Ephialtes with Ares is said to have taken place near this city [1]. From this violent conflict the city is said to have derived its name [1]. The town minted coins in the Hellenistic period, some of which survive [1]. Its site is located near modern Khorakia, Ano Viannos, a hill northwest of modern Viannos, where remains have been found from the Orientalizing period to Roman times [1].