LILAEA (city in Phocis)
Ancient city of Phocis, Greece
- Kind of place
- City
- Region
- Phocis
- Landmarks
- Sanctuary of Apollo Pausanias 10.33.4; Sanctuary of Artemis Pausanias 10.33.4
- People of myth here
- Cephissus, Schedius
- Where
- 38.63° N, 22.51° E
Lilaea was a city in Phocis named after a nymph of the same name. Pausanias 10.33.4 The river Cephissus originates at Lilaea. Hymn III to Delian Apollo ll. 239-243 Sanctuaries dedicated to Apollo and Artemis exist within the city. Pausanias 10.33.4
Described in the sources
Lilaea was a city located in the region of Phocis. Pausanias 10.3.1 +1 The road to Lilaea crosses and descends Mount Parnassus, which blocks the mildness of winter at the city. Pausanias 10.33.3 +1 The Phoceans held Lilaea as part of their territory. Iliad 2 ¶36 Lilaea is located a winter day's journey away from Delphi. Pausanias 10.33.3 The city contains a theater, a market-place, and public baths. Pausanias 10.33.4 The river Pindus empties into the Cephissus near this location. Strabo 9.4.10 Lilaea experiences a mild climate during autumn, summer, and spring. Pausanias 10.33.5 The road connecting Lilaea to Amphicleia measures sixty stades in length. Pausanias 10.33.9
Gods and worship
The Lilaeans dedicated a statue of Patron at Delphi for his victory. Pausanias 10.33.3
Stories and history
Python used to go to Lilaea to quench his thirst. Statius, Thebaid 7.338-363 ¶1 Homer is cited as describing the people who occupied Lilaea. Strabo 9.2.19 Python diverted the river Cephisus away from the sea at Lilaea. Statius, Thebaid 7.338-363 ¶1 The city was besieged by Philip, son of Demetrius, after its restoration. Pausanias 10.33.3 The inhabitants surrendered to Philip and accepted a Macedonian garrison. Pausanias 10.33.3 The city was captured and completely destroyed by Philip during the Phocian War. Pausanias 10.3.1 Homer is cited as testifying that the Cephissus river has its source at this city. Strabo 9.3.16 Lilaea was a distinguished city in ancient times, partly due to its mention in Homer's poetry. Pausanias 10.3.1 A citizen named Patron led a revolt against the Macedonian garrison and defeated them in battle, forcing their withdrawal. Pausanias 10.33.3