AMYCLAE (sanctuary in Laconia)
Ancient settlement and Apollo sanctuary in Lakonoia
- Kind of place
- Sanctuary
- Region
- Laconia
- Patron
- Amyclaean god
- Landmarks
- Sanctuary and image of Alexandra Pausanias 3.19.6; Burial spot of Hyacinth Lucian, Dialogues of the Gods 14 ¶1
- People of myth here
- Hyacinth, Leda, Pollux
- Where
- 37.04° N, 22.45° E
The town was constructed by Amyclas, who was the son of Lacedaemon. Pausanias 3.1.3 The local inhabitants worshipped the Amyclaean god and Dionysus. Pausanias 3.19.6 Women annually weave a tunic for the deity worshipped at this location. Pausanias 3.16.2
Described in the sources
Amyclae is located in the region of Laconia, near Sparta, in the inland areas at the foot of the mountain Taÿgetum. Iliad 2 ¶43 +4 The settlement of Amyclae contains a temple and an image dedicated to Apollo. Pausanias 3.1.3 +2 Amyclae is identified as the home of Leda. Statius, Thebaid 7.153-176 ¶1 Amyclae was a city belonging to the Perioeci. Pausanias 3.2.6 Pollux is identified as being from this location. Georgics 3.72 A statue of Clytaemnestra stood in the settlement. Pausanias 3.19.6 A road leading to Therapne originated from the city. Pausanias 3.19.6 The Lacedaemonians had their home in this settlement. Pausanias 3.20.6 The tomb of Agamemnon was situated in the settlement. Pausanias 3.19.6 Volscens ruled over the settlement of Amyclae as its king. Aeneid 10.510
Gods and worship
Jason promised to bring countless offerings to Amyclae if the sea god saved them. Argonautica 4 ¶102 A statue of Artemis stands beneath the second tripod dedicated to the god of Amyclae. Pausanias 4.14.2 A statue of Aphrodite stands beneath the first tripod dedicated to the god of Amyclae. Pausanias 4.14.2 A statue of Kore or Demeter stands beneath the third tripod dedicated to the god of Amyclae. Pausanias 4.14.2
Stories and history
The hero son of Atreus died at this place. Pindar, Pythian 11 ¶4 Bronze tripods are located within the settlement. Pausanias 3.18.7 Peisander's forebears left this location alongside Orestes. Pindar, Nemean 11 ¶8 Amyclae contributed ships to the fleet commanded by Menelaus. Iliad 2 ¶43 The town sends its military company to accompany the chariot. Statius, Thebaid 4.173-199 ¶3 The settlement was shown to the abductor as a compliant prize. Statius, Achilleid 2.52-79 ¶1 The town was raided before a Spartan relief force could arrive. Pausanias 4.18.3 Peisander's forebears brought an army of Aiolians from this place. Pindar, Nemean 11 ¶8 The Lacedaemonians conquered Amyclae during the reign of Teleclus. Pausanias 3.2.6 The inhabitants of Amyclae resisted the Dorian assault for a long time. Pausanias 3.2.6
Myths set at Amyclae
- The Death of Hyacinth. Apollo failed to foresee that he would kill his favorite with a quoit. He buried Hyacinth at Amyclae and caused a flower to grow from his blood. Lucian, Dialogues of the Gods 14 ¶1 +2 Apollo