ABAE (sanctuary in Phocis)
Ancient temple site on the east of Kalapodi. Phokida
- Kind of place
- Sanctuary
- Region
- Phocis
- Patron
- Apollo
- Landmarks
- Temple of Apollo Pausanias 10.35.4; Large temple (Apollo) Pausanias 10.35.4
- Where
- 38.59° N, 22.92° E
A richly endowed temple of Apollo, which also housed an oracle, was located at this site. Herodotus 8.33.1 The site has long been considered sacred to the god Apollo. Pausanias 10.35.1 The site contains a theater and a market-place that are of ancient construction. Pausanias 10.35.4
Described in the sources
Abae is a city located in the region of Phocis. Herodotus 1.46.2 +3 Abae is a site where divination takes place. Herodotus 8.134.1 +1 The site served as the location for an oracle. Strabo 9.3.13 Half of the captured shields were dedicated at this site. Herodotus 8.27.4 Abae is located beyond Hyampolis and near the port of Cynus. Pausanias 10.1.2 Statues similar to those at Delphi were dedicated at this site. Herodotus 8.27.5 The city is named after Abas, a son of Lynceus and Hypermnestra. Pausanias 10.35.1 Abae is located near the coastal areas of Mychus, Ambrysus, and Medeon. Strabo 9.3.13 The sanctuary at this location was destroyed by fire during the Persian invasion. Pausanias 10.35.2 Abae was the only Phocian city not razed to the ground during the Persian invasion. Pausanias 10.3.2
Stories and history
The temple contained a wealth of treasure and offerings. Herodotus 8.33.1 The temple was plundered and burnt by the marching army. Herodotus 8.33.1 Thracians departed from Aba to settle on the island of Euboea. Strabo 10.1.3 A shield placed by Aristomenes was located in the temple at Abae. Pausanias 4.32.5 The sanctuary at Abae was burned down a second time by the Thebans. Pausanias 10.35.3 The inhabitants claim their ancestors migrated to Phocis from Argos. Pausanias 10.35.1 The sanctuary at Abae had previously been damaged by Persian incendiaries. Pausanias 10.35.3 Greeks chose not to rebuild the site to preserve it as a memorial of hatred. Pausanias 10.35.2 The site remains partially burnt as a lasting reminder of the Persian attack. Pausanias 10.35.2 The Romans granted this place self-governance due to their respect for Apollo. Pausanias 10.35.2
Myths set at Abae
- Miracle of the Cattle at Abae. hook: "A bronze statue of Artemis stands in a small temple at Abae, dedicated by the local people." goal: "" outcome: "Locals claim that cattle dedicated to the goddess remain healthy and fatter than other cattle."} Pausanias 10.35.4 +1 Artemis