CIRRHA (city in Phocis)
Ancient city below Delphi in Greece
- Kind of place
- City
- Region
- Phocis
- Landmarks
- Statue of Adrasteia Pausanias 10.37.8
- Where
- 38.43° N, 22.45° E
Cirrha is the port city associated with Delphi. Pausanias 10.1.2 The fertile Crisaean plain adjoins the city of Cirrha. Strabo 9.3.3 A temple dedicated to Apollo, Artemis, and Leto is located within the city. Pausanias 10.37.8
Described in the sources
Cirrha is located in Phocis where the region touches the sea. Pausanias 10.1.2 +1 Cirrha is an ancient city that gave its name to the surrounding place. Pausanias 10.37.5 +1 Kirrha was a location where athletic victories were achieved and celebrated. Pindar, Pythian 11 ¶1 +1 The city is currently in ruins. Strabo 9.3.4 Apollo's oracle was located in this city. Statius, Thebaid 7.391-418 ¶2 A plain named Aega borders the city of Cirrha. The Catalogues of Women and Eoiae fr. 29 Cirrha is situated opposite the city of Sicyon. Strabo 9.3.3 Cirrha was the home city of the character Atys. Statius, Thebaid 8.538-564 ¶2 Pherenikos achieved a victory at this location. Pindar, Pythian 3 ¶14 Cirrha is located 200 stadia by sea from Aegium. Strabo 8.8.5
Gods and worship
The grotto of Cirrha is said to provide divine inspiration. Statius, Thebaid 3.452-477 ¶2
Stories and history
The Amphictyons decided to wage war against the people of this city, captured it, and punished its inhabitants for the god. Pausanias 10.37.6 +1 The city was destroyed by the Criseeans. Strabo 9.3.4 Megakles and his father won two victories at Kirrha. Pindar, Pythian 7 ¶3 Thrasydaios won a third wreath at the games held in Kirrha. Pindar, Pythian 11 ¶1 Residents of the area refuse to plant trees in the local soil. Pausanias 10.37.5 The temple contains very large statues created by Attic craftsmen. Pausanias 10.37.8 Horses competed at the Pythian games on the race-course near Cirrha. Pausanias 10.37.4 The oracle at this location fell silent during the march of the Danai. Statius, Thebaid 7.391-418 ¶2 Inhabitants claim the land is cursed or simply useless for growing trees. Pausanias 10.37.5 Cirrha competes with other cities in tightly packing quivers for the war effort. Statius, Achilleid 1.389-416 ¶2
Myths set at Cirrha
- The Dedication of the Cirrhaic Land. The people of Cirrha seized land belonging to Apollo, prompting Solon to convince the Amphictyons to dedicate the territory to the god. The land was consecrated to Apollo, establishing his temple and race-course near the port. Pausanias 10.37.4 +3 Apollo