LEBADEA (sanctuary in Boeotia)
Ancient Greek city-state of Boeotia
The oracle of Jupiter Trophonius is located at this site. Lucian, Dialogues of the Dead 3 ¶1 The oracle features a descent through an opening leading underground, which consultants must enter. Strabo 9.2.38 Lebadea is a Boeotian city dedicated to Trophonius, whose oracle and holy shrine are located there, and it houses a statue of Trophonius attributed to Daedalus. Pausanias 1.34.2
Described in the sources
Lebadea is located in the region of Boeotia. Lucian, Dialogues of the Dead 3 ¶1 +1 The town of Trachin is located near Lebadeia. Strabo 9.3.14 Lebadeia borders the plain side of Orchomenus. Pausanias 9.39.1 The city was originally located on high ground. Pausanias 9.39.1 The location is near the place called Coroneia. Strabo 9.2.38 The city received its current name from Lebadus. Pausanias 9.39.1 Moles were introduced to this location in Boeotia. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 8.83 ¶1 It was formerly named Mideia after Aspledon's mother. Pausanias 9.39.1 The district of Lebadeia borders the country of Epeius. Strabo 9.3.14 The location is situated between Helicon and Chaeroneia. Strabo 9.2.38
Stories and history
The moles fled from the soil of this specific country. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 8.83 ¶1 Inhabitants moved to low ground when Lebadus arrived from Athens. Pausanias 9.39.1 A shield placed by Aristomenes was kept in the temple at Lebadeia. Pausanias 4.32.5 Trophonius is said to have taught the local ritual observances to Saon. Pausanias 9.40.2 The earth opened and swallowed Trophonius at a point in the local grove. Pausanias 9.37.7 Envoys initially failed to locate the oracle when arriving at this place. Pausanias 9.40.2 An old envoy from Acraephnium found the oracle by following a swarm of bees. Pausanias 9.40.2 Boeotian envoys were instructed to seek a drought remedy from Trophonius here. Pausanias 9.40.1 Homer is thought to have used the ancient name for Lebadeia instead of its current one. Pausanias 9.40.6
Myths set at Lebadea
- The Oracle for the Thebans. The Pythian priestess directs Boeotian envoys to Trophonius at Lebadeia. Trophonius provides an oracle response in hexameter verse to the Thebans. Pausanias 4.32.5 +1 Trophonius