CYPARISSUS (town in Phocis)
Town of ancient Phocis
- Kind of place
- Town
- Region
- Phocis
- People of myth here
- Iphitus, Son of Naubolus, Schedius
- Where
- 38.47° N, 22.63° E
Cyparissus was a town in inland Phocis near Daulis, held by the leaders of the Phocian forces, including Schedius. Iliad 2 ¶36 The city of Cyparissa is situated on the shores of the Gulf of Cyparissus. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 4.7 ¶1 Some people believe the name Cyparissus comes from a specific tree found in the region. Strabo 9.3.13
Described in the sources
Cyparissos is listed among the towns of ancient Phocis. Statius, Thebaid 7.338-363 ¶1 The Gulf of Cyparissus is located further south along the coast. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 4.7 ¶1 The Phocian troops were stationed near the Boeotians on their left side. Iliad 2 ¶36 The city known as Anticyra was formerly called Cyparissus in ancient times. Pausanias 10.36.5
Stories and history
Homer intended to name the city Cyparissus in his list of Phocians. Pausanias 10.36.5 Homer used the name Anticyra because Anticyreus was a contemporary of Heracles. Pausanias 10.36.5 Others think the name Cyparissus derives from a village located below the Lycoreian territory. Strabo 9.3.13