ELEUTHERAE (city in Boeotia)
Ancient city contested between Boeotia and Attica
- Kind of place
- City
- Region
- Boeotia
- Where
- 38.18° N, 23.38° E
Dionysus founded Eleutherae, naming it to signify independence. Diodorus 4.2 The city was constructed slightly above the plain near Cithaeron. Pausanias 1.38.9 Eleutherae is located on the border between Boeotia and Attica, along the route from Thebes toward Attica. Pausanias 1.38.8
Described in the sources
Eleutherae was located near Plataeae on the borders of Attica and Boeotia, with its affiliation contested. Diodorus 4.2 +1 The Eleutherae district was devastated by wars. Lucian, Dialogues of the Dead 27 ΒΆ2 A temple of Dionysus stands in the plain near Eleutherae. Pausanias 1.38.8 Eleutherae is located near a deme in Attica named Oenone. Strabo 8.6.16 Some people claim Eleutherae belongs to the region of Attica. Strabo 9.2.31 Eleutherae is the starting point of the road that leads to Plataea. Pausanias 9.2.3 The inhabitants of Eleutherae claim that Dionysus was born in their city. Diodorus 3.66 Pegasus of Eleutherae is credited with introducing Dionysus to the Athenians. Pausanias 1.2.5 The graves of most warriors who died before Thebes are shown at this location. Plutarch, Theseus 29.5 Antiope was rescued on the road while being transported to Thebes via this location. Pausanias 2.6.3
Stories and history
The residents of Eleutherae disliked the Thebans. Pausanias 1.38.8 An old wooden statue from Eleutherae was taken to Athens. Pausanias 1.38.8 Eleutherae currently holds a copy of the original wooden image. Pausanias 1.38.8 Ruins of its wall and houses remained visible at the time of writing. Pausanias 1.38.9 The inhabitants of Eleutherae joined the Athenians voluntarily and sought to become Athenian citizens. Pausanias 1.38.8