DORIUM (town in Messenia)
A town of ancient Messenia that appears in the Catalogue of Ships in Homer's Iliad
Homer claimed that the Muses met Thamyris at Dorium while he was traveling from Oechalia, and that his misfortune occurred in this town. Iliad 2 ¶44 Thamyris was struck mute and lost his harp's voice in Dorion. Statius, Thebaid 4.173-199 ¶1 Dorium was part of the territory ruled by Nestor. Iliad 2 ¶44
Described in the sources
Dorium is located in the region of Messenia alongside other towns like Pteleum and Helos. Iliad 2 ¶44 +1 Dorion was located near Erythræ in ancient times. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 5.31 ¶3 The town's ruins are located near a spring named Achaia. Pausanias 4.33.7 Some authors describe Dorium as a mountain, while others identify it as a plain. Strabo 8.3.25 It is alleged that the present town of Oluris or Olura in the Aulon of Messenia is Dorium. Strabo 8.3.25
Stories and history
The Muses permanently deprived Thamyris of his singing ability at Dorium. Iliad 2 ¶44 +2 The town mourns the fate of the Getic bard Thamyris. Statius, Thebaid 4.173-199 ¶1 Dorion formerly stood near Erythræ, according to Pliny. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 5.31 ¶3 The town was recognized for its fame during various historical periods. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 4.7 ¶1