DAULIS (city in Phocis)
Ancient city of Phokis, in Greece
Daulis is an inland city in Phocis, located east of Delphi and beyond Chaeronea. Pausanias 10.3.1 The sanctuary at Daulis contains an ancient wooden image of the goddess Athena that the Daulians claim was brought from Athens. Pausanias 10.4.9 Daulis is identified as the setting for the story of Philomela and Procne, a placement made by Thucydides while others place it in Megara. Strabo 9.3.13
Described in the sources
Tereus is claimed to have ruled over Daulis, where the women served him his own son to eat. Pausanias 1.41.8 +1 Daulis is situated in the interior region near Mount Parnassus, approximately twenty-seven stades from Panopeus. Pausanias 10.4.7 +1 Another account claims the name comes from ancient words for wooded places, specifically the local thickets called Dauli. Pausanias 10.4.7 +1 It is described as a small town. Strabo 9.3.13 The city's name is said to come from a nymph named Daulis. Pausanias 10.4.7 The district of Drymæa is also referred to by the name Daulis. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 4.4 ¶1 A sanctuary dedicated to Athena is located within the city of Daulis. Pausanias 10.4.9 Daulis was a city held by the Phocean leaders Schedius and Epistrophus. Iliad 2 ¶36 Homer refers to the place as Daulis, while later writers call it Daulia. Strabo 9.3.13 Travelers can turn back from Daulis to reach the direct road leading to Delphi. Pausanias 10.5.1
Gods and worship
The Phocians sacrifice victims at the founder's shrine in Daulis, pour the blood into the founder's grave, and eat the sacrificial flesh on the spot. Pausanias 10.4.10
Stories and history
The Daulians state that Procne brought the wooden image to Daulis. Pausanias 10.4.9 The city was razed to the ground during the conflict ended by Philip. Pausanias 10.3.1 Daulis was considered distinguished in ancient times due to its association with Homer's poetry. Pausanias 10.3.1
Myths set at Daulis
- The Dedication of the Athena of Daulis. The Daulians claim Procne brought a wooden image of Athena from Athens to their sanctuary. The story ends with the presence of an ancient image of the goddess at Daulis. Pausanias 10.4.9 Athena