Leucosyri

The Leucosyri (from Λευκόσυροι, or Λευκοσύριοι / Leucosyroi, or Leucosyrioi), also known as Leuco-Syrians (Leucosyrians) or White Syrians, were an ancient people in central Anatolia, during the period of Classical Antiquity. The name "Leucosyrian" is an alternative name given by Greek writers to the inhabitants of Cappadocia. They lived in the regions of Cappadocia, Cilicia, Pontus, and other parts of central Asia Minor. They were mentioned by ancient Greek geographer and historian Strabo (d. in 24 CE) in his "Geography". During the later Hellenistic period, they were eventually hellenised. In Greek language, term Leuco-Syri means: White Syrians. During the Mithridatic Wars, the Leucosyrians were recruited as mercenaries into the Pontic army to fight off the Roman army of Sulla and later Pompey.