The Greek name Xerigordos is known only from Anna Komnene's Alexiad (Χ.6.2), where it is in the accusative form τὴν Ξερίγορδον (Xerigordon). Guibert of Nogent, in the Gesta Dei per Francos, written in Latin, calls the castle Exorogorgum and places it four days' journey beyond Nicaea. It has been tentatively identified with the modern site known as Eskikale (Turkish "Old Castle").[1][3]