NAUPLIA (city in Argolis)
Ancient city and naval station of the Argolid, Greece
- Kind of place
- City
- Region
- Argolis
- Patron
- Poseidon
- Landmarks
- Sanctuary of Poseidon Pausanias 2.38.2; Canathus Pausanias 2.38.2; Harbors Pausanias 2.38.2
- People of myth here
- Nauplius, Palamedes
- Where
- 37.57° N, 22.80° E
Nauplia is identified as the naval station belonging to the Argives. Strabo 8.6.2 A sanctuary dedicated to Poseidon exists within the city. Pausanias 2.38.2 Caves and labyrinths called Cyclopeia are situated next to the city. Strabo 8.6.2
Described in the sources
Menelaus's fleet was anchored in the harbor of Nauplia after he arrived there following the capture of Troy, his return after many years away, and the news of Agamemnon's death. Euripides, Electra 1264-1291 +4 Nauplia is located approximately fifty stades away from the district known as Temenium. Pausanias 2.38.2 +1 Nauplia is located in Argolis. Diodorus 4.33 Nauplia is identified as a harbor location. Euripides, Electra 452-463 The army was transported by ship to the region of Nauplia. Herodotus 6.76.2 The individual known as Orestes is recognized in this location. Euripides, Iphigenia Among the Tauri 798-826 The citadel Licymna is located about 12 stadia away from Nauplia. Strabo 8.6.11 The caverns and works near Nauplia may be named after the Cyclopes. Strabo 8.6.11 The Nauplians were settled in this city by Nauplius, son of Amymone. Pausanias 4.35.2 The village of Asine is situated in the Argive territory near Nauplia. Strabo 8.6.11
Gods and worship
Argives claim Hera bathes in the spring annually to regain her maidenhood. Pausanias 2.38.2
Stories and history
The Lacedaemonians granted the territory of Mothone to the men of Nauplia after their expulsion. Pausanias 4.24.4 +1 The people of Nauplia were expelled from their town by the Argives due to their support for Laconia. Pausanias 4.24.4 +1 The city contains harbors. Pausanias 2.38.2 Ruins of the city's walls still remain. Pausanias 2.38.2 A spring named Canathus is located in Nauplia. Pausanias 2.38.2 Menelaus will bury his mother here with Helen's assistance. Euripides, Electra 1264-1291 Nauplius saved Auge from drowning at the harbour of Nauplia. Diodorus 4.33 The city was uninhabited at the time of the author's writing. Pausanias 2.38.2 Its name is derived from the fact that it is accessible to ships. Strabo 8.6.2 The men of Nauplia asked the Messenians to grant them protection. Pausanias 4.27.8
Myths set at Nauplia
- The Deception at Nauplia. hook: Menelaus arrives at Nauplia to find his wife preparing to leave for Sparta. goal: Menelaus agrees to a scheme to fake his death to facilitate their escape. outcome: Menelaus is to be buried in an empty tomb while Helen assists in burying Orestes' mother. Euripides, Electra 1264-1291 +4 Menelaus
- The Return to Nauplia. Menelaus returns to Nauplia after eight years of wandering, only to learn of Agamemnon's death from the god Glaucus. He and his crew mourn the news, having expected to reunite with Orestes and his mother. Euripides, Orestes 208-252 +4 Menelaus
- The Supplication to Menelaus. Orestes arrives in Nauplia to beg Menelaus for protection, accusing him of abandonment while pleading for his life and his sister's safety. Menelaus acknowledges the gravity of Orestes' troubles but states that strength alone cannot resolve them. Euripides, Orestes 356-384 +4 Orestes
- The Beacon Lights of Nauplia. Nauplius, a king on a high cliff, uses beacon lights to lure sailors to their deaths. He is prophesied to fall into the sea and eventually dies by the same method he used to kill others. Apollodorus 2.1.5 +3 Nauplius
- The Settlement of the Egyptians in Nauplia. hook: "Danaus, a soothsayer, is elevated to the status of a king.", "goal": "", "outcome": "The Egyptians who arrived with Danaus are settled in Nauplia, while Aegyptus flees to Aroe out of fear."} Pausanias 4.35.2 +2 Danaus