ALOPE (settlement in Phthiotis)
Ancient settlement in Thessalia
- Kind of place
- Settlement
- Region
- Phthiotis
- Where
- 38.88° N, 22.79° E
Alope was a settlement in Thessaly held by the Myrmidons, Hellenes, and Achaeans, and subject to Achilles. Iliad 2 ¶54 The settlement is described as being rich in corn-land. Argonautica 1 ¶9 Many parts of the settlement were damaged during a major earthquake. Strabo 1.3.20
Described in the sources
Alope is located on the coast of the Locri. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 4.12 ¶2 +1 The sons of Hermes did not remain at this settlement. Argonautica 1 ¶9 Some scholars suggest Alope might be a variant name for Halius. Strabo 9.5.8 Alope is not found in the location suggested by the altered text. Strabo 12.3.22 Palaephatus claims the Amazons lived in Alope before moving to Zeleia. Strabo 12.3.22 The exact location of Alope within Myrleatis is not pointed out by the scholars. Strabo 12.3.22 Alope is a location that some scholars invented to support their interpretation of Homer's text. Strabo 13.1.45
Stories and history
Scholars debate whether Homer refers to Alope in Phthiotis or among the Locri. Strabo 9.5.8 Strabo argues that inventing Alope was necessary for the system to remain consistent and undetected. Strabo 13.1.45