MANTINEIA (city in Mantinike and Tegeatis)
Ruined ancient city in Arcadia, Greece
- Kind of place
- City
- Region
- Mantinike and Tegeatis
- Patron
- Antinous
- Landmarks
- Walls of Mantineia Pausanias 8.10.1; Gymnasium of Mantineia Pausanias 8.9.8
- People of myth here
- Penelope
- Where
- 37.62° N, 22.38° E
The ruins of the old city are located on a mountain within a small plain. Pausanias 8.12.7 A sanctuary of Poseidon is located within the city of Mantineia. Pausanias 8.5.5 Games are held in this city every four years. Pausanias 8.9.8
Described in the sources
Mantineia is a city in the region of Arcadia, situated on the side of a pass leading into the region, with roads extending to other parts of Arcadia. Herodotus 4.161.2 +4 A battle between Lacedaemonians and Achaeans occurred at this location. Pausanias 8.50.2 +1 The territory of Mantineia is located near the borders of Orchomenus, sharing a boundary with it at a location called Anchisiae. Pausanias 8.12.9 +1 A road connects Mantineia to Pallantium. Pausanias 8.11.5 Cyniscus, a boy boxer, originated from this city. Pausanias 6.4.11 Penelope moved to Mantineia after leaving Sparta. Pausanias 8.12.6 The Emperor established his worship in this city. Pausanias 8.9.8 The city is situated near a pass called the Ladder. Pausanias 8.6.4 A road leads from Mantineia to the village of Methydrium. Pausanias 8.12.2 Penelope gave birth to Pan at this site while residing there. Apollodorus, Epitome 7.38
Gods and worship
Mystic rites are performed annually in the Emperor's honor here. Pausanias 8.9.8 Antinous received worship in Mantineia because the Bithynians were considered Arcadian descendants from there. Pausanias 8.9.7
Stories and history
Penelope died in Mantineia. Pausanias 8.12.6 Agis met his end at Mantineia. Pausanias 8.27.14 Mantineus founded the city of Mantineia. Pausanias 8.3.4 Epaminondas died during the battle fought at this city. Strabo 8.8.2 Mantineans claim their citizen Machaerion killed Epaminondas. Pausanias 8.11.5 Agamemnon provided the ships for the Mantinians to cross the sea. Iliad 2 ¶45 Mantineia was at war with Lacedaemon during the events described. Pausanias 9.13.1 A copy of a painting showing the Athenian engagement is kept here. Pausanias 8.9.8 The people of Mantinea were not accustomed to maritime activities. Iliad 2 ¶45 Agametor, a native of Mantineia, won a boxing competition for boys. Pausanias 6.9.9
Myths set at Mantineia
- The Violation of the Sanctuary at Mantineia. Aepytus enters the forbidden sanctuary of Poseidon at Mantineia and is struck blind. He dies shortly after his violation of the sacred site. Pausanias 8.10.2 +5 Poseidon
- The Birth of Pan. Penelope arrives in Mantinea and bears a son named Pan to Hermes. Her father is identified as Icarius in this variant story. Apollodorus, Epitome 7.38 Penelope