A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

or NYSSA (Νύσα or Νύσσα). 1. Queen of Bithynia, wife of Nicomedes II., and mother of Nicomedes III. (Memnon, 100.30.) She is generally considered to have been originally a dancer, because Nicomedes III. is termed, by his rival Mithridates, " saltatricis filius" (Just. 38.5); but it is more probable that the latter by such an expression meant to stigmatise Nicomedes as illegitimate, though he was in reality the son of Nysa.