ANDANIA (city in Messenia)
Ancient city and religious center in Greece
Andania is identified as a small town located in Arcadia. Strabo 8.3.25 The mysteries of the great Goddesses were originally located at Andania, where Lycus brought and revealed their rites. Pausanias 4.1.9 Andania was located in the interior region of Messenia, where the best and most numerous young men lived. Pausanias 4.14.7
Described in the sources
Caucon came from Athens to the city of Andania and initiated Messene there. Pausanias 4.2.6 +1 A palace was constructed within the city. Pausanias 4.1.2 The Arcadian city of Oechalia is now called Andania. Strabo 8.3.6 The city lies on a road leading towards Cyparissiae. Pausanias 4.33.6 Guides claim the city was named after a woman named Andania. Pausanias 4.33.6 Aristomenes returned to this city after a military engagement. Pausanias 4.16.6 Andania is located on the road leading from Megalopolis to Hira. Strabo 8.4.5 The town is situated in the region formerly known as Oechalia of Eurytus. Strabo 8.3.25 The ruins of the city are located about eight stades to the left along a road. Pausanias 4.33.6 Andania is described as a wise city in the context of receiving religious rites. Pausanias 4.1.8
Stories and history
Its name matches towns found in Thessaly and Euboea. Strabo 8.3.25 Lycus, son of Pandion, brought the Attic rite to Andania. Pausanias 4.1.8 Aristomenes persuaded the Messenian survivors to abandon Andania. Pausanias 4.17.10 The city was established by a group including the wife of Polycaon. Pausanias 4.1.2