COLONUS (town in Attica)
Ancient Athenian deme
- Kind of place
- Town
- Region
- Attica
- Patron
- Poseidon
- Landmarks
- Precinct of the Eumenides Apollodorus 3.5.9; Altar to the Sea-God (Poseidon) Sophocles, Oedipus at Colonus 848-896; Bronze Threshold of the Land and Support of Athens Sophocles, Oedipus at Colonus 33-74
- People of myth here
- Antigone, Oedipus
- Where
- 38.00° N, 23.72° E
Colonus contains an untrodden grove and precinct dedicated to the Furies, who reside in this holy place, and the inhabitants of the deme tremble to speak their names. Apollodorus 3.5.9 The area features green glades with wine-dark ivy and fruit-bearing foliage protected from the sun and storm winds. Sophocles, Oedipus at Colonus 668-680 Colonus is a hallowed location in Attica where Oedipus is destined to die. Apollodorus 3.5.9
Described in the sources
Poseidon is identified as the lord of Colonus. Sophocles, Oedipus at Colonus 33-74 +1 The Chorus identifies the location as their own city and its members are elders of the deme. Sophocles, Oedipus at Colonus 118-147 +1 The area is considered the support of Athens. Sophocles, Oedipus at Colonus 33-74 The region is ruled by the king residing in the city. Sophocles, Oedipus at Colonus 33-74 Dionysus is said to walk the ground there as a reveller. Sophocles, Oedipus at Colonus 668-680 The local inhabitants share the name of the god Colonus. Sophocles, Oedipus at Colonus 33-74 The place is described as the home of the god of horses. Euripides, The Phoenician Maidens 1672-1709 Colonus is described as the most beautiful home on earth. Sophocles, Oedipus at Colonus 668-680 The neighboring fields claim Colonus as their ancient ruler. Sophocles, Oedipus at Colonus 33-74 The location is situated in a land known for its fine horses. Sophocles, Oedipus at Colonus 668-680
Stories and history
Oedipus sat down at Colonus as a suppliant. Apollodorus 3.5.9 Theseus kindly received Oedipus at Colonus. Apollodorus 3.5.9 Oedipus died shortly after arriving at Colonus. Apollodorus 3.5.9 The Chorus claims the city is being attacked by force. Sophocles, Oedipus at Colonus 800-847 The Chorus calls upon the men of the place to provide aid. Sophocles, Oedipus at Colonus 800-847