ALEA (city in Azania)
Ancient city in the Peloponnese
- Kind of place
- City
- Region
- Azania
- Where
- 37.76° N, 22.46° E
A sanctuary dedicated to Athena Alea exists in the city. Pausanias 8.23.1 They hold a biennial festival named Sciereia in honor of Dionysus. Pausanias 8.23.1 Alea was a city located in the region of Maenalus, situated after Stymphalus. Pausanias 8.23.1
Described in the sources
A temple containing an image of Dionysus is located there. Pausanias 8.23.1 Alea served as a home for the Arcadians before they left it. Pausanias 8.27.3 A sanctuary dedicated to Ephesian Artemis exists in the city. Pausanias 8.23.1
Gods and worship
Women are flogged during the festival following a Delphic oracle. Pausanias 8.23.1
Stories and history
The city was part of the Argive federation. Pausanias 8.23.1 Alea did not remain idle but sent troops to aid the war. Statius, Thebaid 4.281-305 ΒΆ1 Citizens claim Aleus, son of Apheidas, founded the city. Pausanias 8.23.1 The Arcadians abandoned Alea due to their hatred of the Lacedaemonians. Pausanias 8.27.3