MYCALESSUS (city in Boeotia)
Ancient city of Boeotia
The city's name derives from a cow that lowed while guiding Cadmus to Thebes. Pausanias 9.19.4 The local form of Demeter is referred to by the epithet Mycalessian. Pausanias 9.19.5 Autumn fruits placed before the statue remain fresh for the entire year. Pausanias 9.19.5
Described in the sources
A sanctuary dedicated to Demeter, said to be under the care of Idaean Heracles, is located on the route leading to the coast of Mycalessus. Pausanias 9.19.5 +1 Mycalessus was a city held by the Boeotian forces. Iliad 2 ¶34 The nymphs of Mycalessos were neighbors of Ancaeus. Callimachus, Hymn 4 ¶2 The city is located next to the ruins of the city Harma. Pausanias 9.19.4 Mycalessus is listed by the poet as a location following Thespiae. Strabo 9.2.26 Homer lists Mycalessus alongside Thespeia and Graea in his Catalogue. Pausanias 9.20.2 In the local Boeotian dialect, the place is referred to as Mycalettus. Strabo 9.2.11 Mycalessus was an inland town located in the Chalcidic Euripus region. Pausanias 1.23.3 The settlement is situated on the route connecting Thebes and Chalcis. Strabo 9.2.11 Mycalessus is described as a village located within the Tanagrian district. Strabo 9.2.11
Stories and history
Heracles is said to close and open the sanctuary every night. Pausanias 9.19.5 The nymphs of Mycalessos entertained the subject during her journey. Callimachus, Hymn 4 ¶2 Diitrephes marched from the coast to Mycalessus and captured the town. Pausanias 1.23.3 The city eventually regained its original name after being known as Graea. Pausanias 9.20.2 Thracian mercenaries killed the combatants, women, and children of Mycalessus. Pausanias 1.23.3 The city was destroyed, an event Pausanias describes in his section on Athenians. Pausanias 9.19.4 The town was not reoccupied by survivors because the inhabitants were exterminated. Pausanias 1.23.3