GERAESTUS (EUBOEA) (port in Euboea)
Ancient harbor with Poseidon sanctuary on Euboea
- Kind of place
- Port
- Region
- Euboea
- Where
- 37.98° N, 24.54° E
The Greeks offered numerous sacrifices to Poseidon here for their safe arrival, and the temple of Poseidon is the most remarkable in the region. Odyssey 3 ¶15 Geraestus is described as a harbor of refuge. Euripides, The Cyclops 273-315 Cape Geraestus is the location where Myrtilus was thrown into the sea. Apollodorus, Epitome 2.8
Described in the sources
The location is situated near Sunium. Strabo 10.1.7 Geraestus is described as a well-wooded location. Argonautica 3 ¶95 Geraestus is located next to the city of Eretria. Strabo 10.1.8 Poseidon is said to pass through Geraestus with his steeds. Argonautica 3 ¶95 The location is situated opposite to Sunium on the mainland. Strabo 10.1.2 It serves as a convenient point for crossing from Asia to Attica. Strabo 10.1.7 Hermolycus lay dead on Geraestus after being killed in a battle at Cyrnus. Herodotus 9.105.1 The coastal areas near Geraestus are part of a region called the Hollows of Euboea. Strabo 10.1.2 The Greek fleet arrived at this location after a swift night passage across the open sea. Odyssey 3 ¶15 Geraestus is located at the end of the island's length, which measures nearly 1200 stadia from Cenaeum. Strabo 10.1.2
Stories and history
The site is home to a considerable number of inhabitants. Strabo 10.1.7 The Greeks preserved Geraestus from being harmed by the Phrygians. Euripides, The Cyclops 273-315 Homer mentions the place in a context where vessels arrived there at night. Strabo 10.1.7 Athenian daughters were slaughtered on the grave of Geraestus to appease a pestilence. Apollodorus 3.15.8