COPAE (city in Boeotia)
Ancient Greek city-state of Boeotia
- Kind of place
- City
- Region
- Boeotia
- Where
- 38.50° N, 23.17° E
Copae is situated on the north shore of Lake Copais, which took its name from the city because the deepest hollow is located there. Pausanias 9.24.1 Homer lists Copae among cities that are abounding with doves. Strabo 9.2.27 A sanctuary dedicated to Demeter exists within the town. Pausanias 9.24.1
Described in the sources
The town is mentioned by Homer in his Catalogue. Pausanias 9.24.1 Hyettus is situated about seven stades away from Olmones. Pausanias 9.24.3 Olmones is located about twelve stades to the left of Copae. Pausanias 9.24.3 Copae was a settlement held by the Boeotian forces led by Peneleos and others. Iliad 2 ΒΆ34
Gods and worship
A sanctuary dedicated to Serapis exists within the town. Pausanias 9.24.1 A sanctuary dedicated to Dionysus exists within the town. Pausanias 9.24.1
Stories and history
The city was mentioned by a poet according to the text. Strabo 9.2.18 The city was threatened with being swallowed up by rising lake waters. Strabo 9.2.18 A subterranean channel opened near the city to drain the overflowing river. Strabo 9.2.18 The danger to the city's inhabitants ceased after the water overflow stopped. Strabo 9.2.18