HYAMPOLIS (city in Phocis)
City in ancient Phocis, Greece
Hyampolis is situated beneath a steep, overhanging cliff face. Statius, Thebaid 7.338-363 ¶1 The Hyantes established the city of Hyampolis in the region of Phocis after being banished from Boeotia and fleeing from Cadmus and his army. Pausanias 10.35.5 It was located along the river Cephisus. Herodotus 8.33.1
Described in the sources
Hyampolis is a city in the region of Phocis, inhabited by the Phoceans. Iliad 2 ¶36 +3 The city's name indicates its inhabitants were originally the Hyantes from Thebes. Pausanias 10.35.5 +1 Hyampolis is located on the direct route to Opus, which lies beyond it along with its port Cynus. Pausanias 10.1.2 +1 Hyampolis is located above the city of Orchomenus, and the highway connecting Orchomenus and Opus also leads to it. Pausanias 10.35.1 +1 The Phocians expected the Thessalians to invade their territory at this location and used a nearby pass to trap Thessalian horsemen. Herodotus 8.28.1 +1 It is located in the interior near Parapotamii. Strabo 9.3.15 A mountain road from Elateia leads to Hyampolis. Pausanias 10.35.1 It is a distinct place from Hyampea on Parnassus. Strabo 9.3.15 Neighbors previously called the settlement the city of the Hyantes. Pausanias 10.35.5 The Phoceans who lived in Hyampolis were led by Schedius and Epistrophus. Iliad 2 ¶36
Stories and history
The city was burned by the marching army. Herodotus 8.33.1 The city was captured and razed to the ground by Philip. Pausanias 10.3.1 The name Hyampolis eventually replaced the older name used by neighbors. Pausanias 10.35.5 Phocian soldiers buried earthen water pots under the ground at this site. Pausanias 10.1.3 Thessalian cavalry horses stumbled into the hidden pots and were lamed here. Pausanias 10.1.3 It was considered distinguished in ancient times due to its association with Homer's poetry. Pausanias 10.3.1