MEGALOPOLIS (city in Parrhasia)
Ancient city of Arcadia
- Kind of place
- City
- Region
- Parrhasia
- Patron
- Lycaean Zeus
- Landmarks
- Sanctuary of Lycaean Zeus Pausanias 8.30.2; Source of the river Buphagus Pausanias 8.27.17; Bronze image of Apollo Pausanias 8.30.3
- People of myth here
- Aristodemus
- Where
- 37.41° N, 22.13° E
The name Megalopolis translates to Great City. Pausanias 9.14.4 Megalopolis is described as the newest city in Greece, excluding those emptied by Roman rule. Pausanias 8.27.1 Ritual acts performed there were copies of the ceremonies held at Eleusis. Pausanias 8.31.7
Described in the sources
Megalopolis is the largest city in Arcadia, formed by the union of several formerly celebrated Arcadian cities. Pausanias 4.29.7 +4 The river Helisson flows through the city of Megalopolis, splitting it into two distinct sections. Pausanias 5.7.1 +2 The village of Methydrium is currently part of the territory of Megalopolis, located one hundred and seventy stades away. Pausanias 8.12.2 +2 The territory of Megalopolis borders the territory of Heraea, with the boundary located at the source of the river Buphagus. Pausanias 5.7.1 +2 The Arcadians formed a union at this city shortly after the Lacedaemonians were defeated at Leuctra. Pausanias 7.6.8 +1 Megalopolis shares a boundary with Messenia at a location called the Hermaeum, near a shrine called by the Mistress. Pausanias 8.34.6 +1 The Arcadians established the city with great enthusiasm and high expectations from the Greeks, and they gathered there to follow a general resolution. Pausanias 8.27.5 +1 It is located within the district of Zelitis. Strabo 12.3.37 Craugis was a nobleman from this Arcadian city. Pausanias 8.49.2 Cromnus is a small town located near Megalopolis. Athenaeus 10.75
Stories and history
Cleomenes, son of Leonidas, captured the city during a truce in an unexpected military action and destroyed it in violation of a peace treaty with Antigonus. Pausanias 2.9.2 +3 A tyrant named Aristodemus ruled the city after a short period and defeated the Lacedaemonians. Pausanias 8.27.11 +1 The city is mostly in ruins and has been left as a great desert due to the abandonment of its inhabitants. Pausanias 8.33.1 +1 Weak and obscure Arcadian cities were absorbed into Megalopolis by a confederacy decree to increase their collective strength. Pausanias 6.12.8 +1 Epaminondas founded the city of Megalopolis in Arcadia as a shared home for the Arcadians, persuading them to abandon their smaller towns to build this new settlement. Pausanias 8.52.4 +1 The government offices consisted of six rooms. Pausanias 8.30.6 Pompey granted the status of a city to this place. Strabo 12.3.37 A stone image of Pan is situated inside the sanctuary. Pausanias 8.30.2 A powerful siege engine damaged a tower on the city's wall. Pausanias 8.27.13 Lydiades died fighting nobly during the battle for the city. Pausanias 8.27.15