HERAIA (settlement in Western Arcadia)
Human settlement in Greece
- Kind of place
- Settlement
- Region
- Western Arcadia
- Where
- 37.61° N, 21.86° E
Most of the city rests on a gentle slope, with part descending to the river. Pausanias 8.26.1 Walks along the river are separated by myrtles and other cultivated trees. Pausanias 8.26.1 Two temples dedicated to Dionysus stand within the city. Pausanias 8.26.1
Described in the sources
Damaretus, who won the shield race and the race in armour at Olympia, was a native of this settlement. Pausanias 10.7.7 +3 Heraea is situated on the right bank of the Alpheius river, near the land of Elis. Pausanias 8.26.1 +2 Heraea is located between the territories of Megalopolis and the source of the river Buphagus, which marks the border between the two settlements. Pausanias 5.7.1 +2 Heraea is located in the region of Arcadia. Pausanias 6.17.4 +1 Baths are located along the riverbank in the city. Pausanias 8.26.1 Heraea is located on the road leading to Megalopolis. Pausanias 8.26.8 The river Ladon is located about fifteen stades from Heraea. Pausanias 8.26.3 The Erymanthus river is roughly twenty stades from the Ladon. Pausanias 8.26.3 A temple dedicated to the god Pan is located within this settlement. Pausanias 8.26.2 The Heraea games were inaugurated by Hippodameia and the Sixteen Women. Pausanias 5.16.4
Gods and worship
One temple honors Dionysus under the epithet Citizen. Pausanias 8.26.1 The other temple honors Dionysus as the Giver of Increase. Pausanias 8.26.1 A building exists where mysteries in honor of Dionysus are celebrated. Pausanias 8.26.1
Stories and history
Heraeeus, son of Lycaon, established the settlement of Heraea. Pausanias 8.26.1