ERYX (sanctuary in Sicily)
Ancient city of Sicily
The site contains a highly esteemed temple dedicated to the goddess Venus. Strabo 6.2.6 It was situated on a lofty place in Sicily. Diodorus 4.83 A shrine of Aphrodite was established on its highest point. Diodorus 4.83
Described in the sources
Aphrodite established her seat in the region of Eryx in Sicily. Aeneid 1.561 +4 Eryx is described as being attached to the place called Acestes. Aeneid 1.561 +3 The region and plain of Eryx were located along the coast of Sicily. Apollodorus 2.5.10 +2 Eryx is a very lofty, inhabited mountain with a rock that rises sheer to an extraordinary height. Diodorus 4.78 +1 Aeneas returned to the seat of Eryx after fleeing the sandy regions and embellished the sanctuary there with votive offerings. Diodorus 4.83 +1 The land holds the ashes of Anchises. Aeneid 5.1 The flower lychnis is found near mount Eryx. Athenaeus 15.28 Eryx ruled over the people known as the Elymi. Apollodorus 2.5.10 Eryx is located on the sea, similar to a citadel. Strabo 6.2.7 The territory of Eryx contains a sanctuary of Erycine. Pausanias 8.24.6
Gods and worship
Entellus offered a bull as a sacrifice to the shade of Eryx. Aeneid 5.461 Entellus left his boxing gauntlets and skills as a gift to Eryx. Aeneid 5.461 The area smells of butter used as a token of the Goddess's return. Athenaeus 9.51 The sanctuary in Eryx has been very holy since the remotest times. Pausanias 8.24.6 In the past, the temple was filled with women dedicated to the goddess. Strabo 6.2.6 Wealthy inhabitants feast and others clap hands when the pigeons return. Athenaeus 9.51
Stories and history
The bull's-hide armor and gauntlets formerly worn by Eryx were worn by Entellus during his youth. Aeneid 5.362 part 1 +1 Aeneas performed a sacrifice at Eryx. Ovid Met. 14.75-100 A bull swam from Rhegium to the plain of Eryx. Apollodorus 2.5.10 Aeneas paid honour to his father's tomb at Eryx. Ovid Met. 14.75-100 The king of Eryx was killed during the wrestling bout. Apollodorus 2.5.10 The local king mixed the escaped bull with his own herd. Apollodorus 2.5.10 Hercules took the bull from Eryx's herd to the Ionian Sea. Apollodorus 2.5.10 Hercules found the bull within the herds belonging to Eryx. Apollodorus 2.5.10 The region of Eryx belonged to the descendants of Heracles. Herodotus 5.43.1 Hercules defeated the king of Eryx in wrestling three times. Apollodorus 2.5.10