CHAERONEA (city in Phocis)
Ancient Greek city-state of Boeotia
- Kind of place
- City
- Region
- Phocis
- Where
- 38.50° N, 22.84° E
The current name is reportedly derived from Chaeron, a son of Apollo and Thero. Pausanias 9.40.5 The Cephissus river flows through this Boeotian city. Strabo 9.2.19 Publicly funded tombs for the fallen soldiers of that battle are visible there. Strabo 9.2.37
Described in the sources
The Greeks fought a battle at this location, and the disaster there marked the start of misfortune for all Greeks, especially Thebans. Pausanias 1.25.3 +3 Philip achieved a victory at Chaeronea, where the Achaeans fought against the Macedonians. Pausanias 5.20.10 +2 The city was formerly known by the name Arne. Pausanias 9.40.5 The Greek army suffered a defeat at this location. Pausanias 9.29.8 Chaeroneia is located next to the city of Lebadeia. Pausanias 9.40.5 Chaeroneia is located near a specific lake mentioned in the text. Strabo 9.2.35 The city is located in close proximity to the town of Orchomenus. Strabo 9.2.37 Taxilus was defeated in a battle that took place near this location. Pausanias 1.20.6 The city was already known by the name Chaeroneia during Homer's time. Pausanias 9.40.6 Homer used an older, different name for the city instead of Chaeroneia. Pausanias 9.40.6
Gods and worship
The inhabitants of Chaeroneia revere a scepter, which they call the Spear, as their most honored divine object. Pausanias 9.40.11
Stories and history
Philip of Macedon defeated Athenians, Boeotians, and Corinthians in a major battle near this location. Pausanias 7.15.6 +1 Tolmides reduced the city by laying siege to it. Pausanias 1.27.5 The Arcadians were killed by Romans at this specific spot. Pausanias 7.15.6 Philip of Amyntas removed the bones of Linus from this place. Pausanias 9.29.8 The fame of the scepter brings renown to the people of Chaeroneia. Pausanias 9.40.11 The Thebans destroyed the garrison in their city after Philip died. Pausanias 9.6.5 A garrison was brought into Thebes following the defeat at this place. Pausanias 9.6.5 The rose-derived oil applied to wooden statues stops them from rotting. Pausanias 9.41.7 A daughter of Aeolus named Arne is said to have given the city its old name. Pausanias 9.40.5 Philip of Macedon did not erect a trophy in this territory after his success. Pausanias 9.40.7