ACANTHUS (city in Chalcidice)
Ancient Greek city
- Kind of place
- City
- Region
- Chalcidice
- Where
- 40.40° N, 23.88° E
Acanthus is a Greek town located on the coast of the Singitic Gulf, near the isthmus of Athos and the Pangaean range. Herodotus 7.115.2 Xerxes is said to have constructed a canal at Acanthus to connect the sea across the isthmus. Strabo 7.fragments.35 A grove of Thebaïc acantha, which yields gum, is found in the city. Strabo 17.1.35
Described in the sources
Xerxes was located at Acanthus when the canal overseer died and departed from the city before directing his naval fleet to proceed elsewhere. Herodotus 7.117.1 +1 It is described as a maritime city. Strabo 7.fragments.33 A temple of Osiris is situated in the city. Strabo 17.1.35 The city is situated near the Canal of Xerxes. Strabo 7.fragments.33 Nicomedes was a person from the city of Acanthus. Athenaeus 5.58 A voyage from Acanthus to Stagirus covers 400 stadia. Strabo 7.fragments.33 The town of Acanthus was also known by the name Dulopolis. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 5.29 ¶1 The city of Acanthus is the source of a specific type of wine. Athenaeus 1.56 Acanthus was the destination of the army's march from Doriscus. Herodotus 7.121.2 The fleet sailed near the land of Acanthus while traveling from Thasos. Herodotus 6.44.2
Stories and history
The city was founded by the Andrii. Strabo 7.fragments.31 The wine from Acanthus is characterized as being very strong. Athenaeus 1.56 The town of Acanthus no longer existed at the time of writing. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 5.29 ¶1 Xerxes presented the Acanthians with Median clothing as a gift. Herodotus 7.116.1 The Acanthians were commended for their work on digging a canal. Herodotus 7.116.1 Xerxes arrived at Acanthus while traversing the plain of Syleus. Herodotus 7.115.2 Xerxes declared the people of Acanthus to be his guests and friends. Herodotus 7.116.1 The sailors put out from Acanthus to attempt rounding the cape of Athos. Herodotus 6.44.2 The city's name is described as thorny, implying its inhabitants are fierce. Athenaeus 1.56 The Acanthians were praised by Xerxes for their enthusiastic support of his military campaign. Herodotus 7.116.1