GORTYS (town in Western Arcadia)
Town of ancient Arcadia, Greece
- Kind of place
- Town
- Region
- Western Arcadia
- Where
- 37.54° N, 22.04° E
Founded by Gortys son of Stymphalus; Zeus was bathed after his birth in its river. Pausanias 8.4.8 A river named Lusius flows through the town of Gortys. Pausanias 8.28.2 The temple contains a statue of Asclepius depicted as a beardless youth. Pausanias 8.28.1
Described in the sources
Gortys is a village located on the road to Megalopolis, held by the people of Megalopolis during Pausanias's time. Pausanias 8.27.7 +1 The river Gortynius flows past the town of Gortyna, and residents near its source call it Lusius while others call it Gortynius. Pausanias 5.7.1 +1 The Cretans held the city of Gortys. Iliad 2 ΒΆ50 Gortys was a town belonging to the Cynurians in Arcadia. Pausanias 8.27.4 Gortys was a city in ancient times but is described as a village in the present day. Pausanias 8.28.1 The town is located after the place called Maratha when traveling from a river source. Pausanias 8.28.1
Gods and worship
A sanctuary dedicated to Asclepius is located at Gortyna. Pausanias 5.7.1
Stories and history
An image of Health is also housed inside the temple. Pausanias 8.28.1 Zeus was bathed in the river Lusius after his birth. Pausanias 8.28.2 The sculptor Scopas created the statues found in the local temple. Pausanias 8.28.1 Locals claim Alexander the son of Philip dedicated his breastplate and spear to Asclepius here. Pausanias 8.28.1 The breastplate and spearhead dedicated by Alexander were still present at the time of writing. Pausanias 8.28.1