ALALCOMENAE (city in Boeotia)
Ancient city of Boeotia
- Kind of place
- City
- Region
- Boeotia
- Patron
- Athena
- Landmarks
- Temple of Athena Strabo 9.2.36
- Where
- 38.39° N, 23.00° E
It is said to be the birthplace of the goddess Minerva. Strabo 9.2.36 It possesses an ancient temple of Minerva that is highly venerated. Strabo 9.2.36 A grove of oaks with the largest trunks in Boeotia is located near this city. Pausanias 9.3.4
Described in the sources
Alalcomenae is an inconsiderable city situated in a plain. Pausanias 9.34.1 +2 The fountain Tilphossa is located near Alalcomenae and Haliartus, below the mountain Tilphossium. Strabo 9.2.27 +1 The city is situated around the lake Copais, which formerly took its name from settlements like Alalcomenae on its banks. Strabo 9.2.27 +1 The city is considered worthy of notice alongside other nearby settlements and is situated near the strong mountain known as Tilphossium. Strabo 9.2.35 +1 Alalcomenae is described as a small village. Pausanias 9.33.5 The monument of Teiresias is found near the fountain Tilphossa. Strabo 9.2.36 The village is located at the base of a mountain that is not very tall. Pausanias 9.33.5 A temple to Athena stands on level ground some distance from the village. Pausanias 9.33.5 Apollodorus claims a small city named Alalcomenae exists on the island of Asteria, located on the isthmus of the island. Strabo 10.2.16
Gods and worship
Plataeans bring boiled flesh to the nearby oak grove for offerings. Pausanias 9.3.4
Stories and history
Sulla stole the image of Athena from the city. Pausanias 9.33.6 The temple contains an ancient statue made of ivory. Pausanias 9.33.5 Thebans fled to this city during the expedition of the Epigoni. Strabo 9.2.36 The sanctuary in the city was neglected after losing the goddess. Pausanias 9.33.6 Some claim the name comes from an aboriginal man named Alalcomeneus. Pausanias 9.33.5 Inhabitants abstained from violence out of reverence for the goddess. Strabo 9.2.36 Others state the name derives from Alalcomenia, a daughter of Ogygus. Pausanias 9.33.5 The cut oak trunk is fashioned into a wooden image called a daedalum. Pausanias 9.3.4 The city has never been destroyed by an enemy despite its weak position. Strabo 9.2.36 Plataeans cut down the specific oak tree where a crow settles with stolen meat. Pausanias 9.3.4