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The Ctistae or Ktistai (Greek: κτίσται) were a group/class among the Mysians.
The Mysians avoided consuming any living thing, and therefore lived on such foodstuffs as milk and honey. For this reason, they were referred to as "god-fearing" and "capnobatae" (kapnobatai) or "smoke-treading".
The Ctistae were a class of Mysians who not only observed these dietary restrictions, but abstained from cohabitating with women. They led celibate lives, never marrying. They were held in a place of honor by the Thracians, with their lives being dedicated to the gods. They are described by Strabo, sourcing Poseidonius. [1]
According to Strabo, whether they took up celibacy or not they were collectively called Hippemolgi (Ἱππημολγοί; "mare-milkers"), Galactophagi (Γαλακτοφάγοι; "living on milk") or Abii (ἄβιοι, "not living (with women)").[2]
- ^ Strabo, Geography VII.3.3: and there are some of the Thracians who live apart from woman-kind; these are called "Ctistae," and because of the honour in which they are held, have been dedicated to the gods and live with freedom from every fear;
- ^ Strabo, Geography VII.3.3: , men most just," but he calls them "Abii" more especially for this reason, that they live apart from women, since he thinks that a life which is bereft of woman is only half-complete ;