ERETRIA (city in Euboea)
Ancient city-state of Euboea
- Kind of place
- City
- Region
- Euboea
- Where
- 38.38° N, 23.78° E
It is described as the second largest city in Euboea after Chalcis. Strabo 10.1.8 A river named Erasinus flows through the territory of Eretria. Strabo 8.6.8 The city's walls were expanded to include Canethus and the Euripus. Strabo 10.1.8
Described in the sources
Eretria was a city located in the region of Euboea, opposite the Sacred Harbour, and is considered the second most important city among the Euboeans. Iliad 2 ¶38 +3 Eretria was a neighboring city to Carystos. Herodotus 6.99.2 Aeschines was a leading man in this city-state. Herodotus 6.100.3 Philoxenus was a painter from the city of Eretria. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 35.36 ¶27 The Abantes held control over the city of Eretria. Iliad 2 ¶38 Marathon was the location in Attica nearest to this city. Herodotus 6.102.1 The salt-cabbage variety is reported to grow in this city. Athenaeus 9.9 It served as a pleasant and quiet retreat for philosophers. Strabo 10.1.11 The group departed from this city after a ten-year absence. Herodotus 1.62.1 Eretria is located next to Geraestus on the island of Euboea. Strabo 10.1.8
Stories and history
Datis directed his military force against the city as his initial target. Herodotus 6.94.2 +1 The Persians destroyed the ancient city by surrounding the inhabitants with troops. Athenaeus 12.52 +1 The Persians enslaved the city after reducing Ionia. Pausanias 7.10.2 The Eretrians dedicated one of the bronze oxen at Olympia. Pausanias 5.27.9 Its most famous citizens betrayed the city to the Persians. Pausanias 7.10.2 Philesius, an artist from Eretria, created the bronze oxen. Pausanias 5.27.9 The group returned home from this location after ten years. Herodotus 1.62.1 The enslavement of the city weakened the strength of Hellas. Herodotus 6.106.2 Water from this city's spring is considered bad by Erasistratus. Athenaeus 2.25 Aeclus is reported to have founded the city after the Trojan War. Strabo 10.1.8