ALIPHERA (city in Western Arcadia)
Ancient city in Greece, near the modern village of Alifeira
- Kind of place
- City
- Region
- Western Arcadia
- Patron
- Athena
- Landmarks
- Sanctuary of Asclepius Pausanias 8.26.6; Sanctuary of Athena Pausanias 8.26.6; Altar of Zeus Lecheates Pausanias 8.26.6
- Where
- 37.53° N, 21.87° E
Locals claim that Athena was born and raised among their people. Pausanias 8.26.6 The inhabitants worship Athena more than any other deity in the city. Pausanias 8.26.6 Travelers from Heraea reach Aliphera by crossing the Alpheius river, traversing a plain of about ten stades, and ascending a mountain for approximately thirty stades. Pausanias 8.26.5
Described in the sources
Aliphera is a small town in Arcadia listed among the Cynurians, and it remained a recognized city from its founding until the author's era. Pausanias 8.26.5 +2 Sanctuaries dedicated to Asclepius and Athena exist within the city. Pausanias 8.26.6 A local stream named Tritonis exists, adopting the story of the river Triton. Pausanias 8.26.6 The city's name derives from Alipherus, who is identified as the son of Lycaon. Pausanias 8.26.6
Gods and worship
An altar to Zeus Lecheates stands there because he supposedly gave birth to Athena. Pausanias 8.26.6
Stories and history
Many residents left Aliphera when the Arcadians united to form Megalopolis. Pausanias 8.26.5