NAUPACTUS (city in Ozolian Locris)
Ancient city of west Greece
- Kind of place
- City
- Region
- Ozolian Locris
- Where
- 38.39° N, 21.83° E
The city's name derives from the ships built there by the Dorians. Pausanias 10.38.10 The Dorians began their voyage to the Peloponnesus from this location. Pausanias 5.3.6 Naupactus served as a strategic base for operations against the Peloponnese. Pausanias 4.26.1
Described in the sources
The city was occupied by the Locri Hesperii. Strabo 9.4.7 The city was located near the place known as Antirrhium. Strabo 9.4.7 The bones of Hesiod were located in the land of Naupactus. Pausanias 9.38.3 Naupactus is located on the shore opposite the land of Argos. Aeschylus, Suppliant Maidens 234-273 The city was located near the territory of the Ozolian Locrians. Pausanias 4.24.7 Timon served as the leader of the garrison stationed at this city. Pausanias 6.16.2 A calamity struck the army while it was stationed at this location. Apollodorus 2.8.3 The city was placed under the governance of the Achaeans of Patrae. Pausanias 10.38.9 The location was named Naupactus because Temenus built ships there. Apollodorus 2.8.2 Naupactus is situated on the coast near the settlement of Oeantheia. Pausanias 10.38.9
Stories and history
The Athenians transferred control of the city to the Messenians, who occupied the town and its surrounding country for approximately one year. Pausanias 10.38.10 +4 The Athenians captured the city from the Ozolian Locrians. Pausanias 10.38.10 +1 The Lacedaemonians expelled the Messenians from the city after gaining naval control and the battle at Aegospotami. Pausanias 10.38.10 +1 The Heraclidae are said to have built their fleet at this site. Strabo 9.4.7 Locrians returned to the city after the Messenians were forced to leave. Pausanias 10.38.10 Emperor Augustus granted the Achaeans of Patrae authority over Naupactus. Pausanias 10.38.9 Those who performed the ritual in Naupactus were soon overtaken by justice. Pausanias 9.25.9 Slingers from Naupactus assisted in capturing Spartans stranded on Sphacteria. Pausanias 4.26.1 According to Ephorus, the Locri built vessels there long before the Heraclidae. Strabo 9.4.7 The statue of Zeus was originally made for the Messenian settlers in Naupactus. Pausanias 4.33.2
Myths set at Naupactus
- The Dorian Invasion and the Founding of Messene. Cresphontes leads the Dorian fleet to the Peloponnesus, promising them land in Elis in exchange for his guidance. He conquers Messene, initially grants equal rights to the locals, but later restricts city status to Stenyclarus after a Dorian offense. Pausanias 5.3.6 +1 Cresphontes