NISAEA (port in Megaris)
Port in ancient Megara, Greece
Nisaea is a port located in the territory of Megaris, eighteen stadia from the city of Megara. Pausanias 1.39.4 The small island of Minoa lies parallel to this port, and the promontory Minoa forms the harbour of Nisaea. Pausanias 1.44.3 A sanctuary dedicated to Demeter Malophorus is located within this port area. Pausanias 1.44.3
Described in the sources
The port is named after the figure Nisus, who took refuge there when Cretan forces attacked the region. Pausanias 1.19.4 +1 The place also carried the name Minoa. Strabo 9.1.4 Nisaea served as the arsenal for the city of Megara. Strabo 9.1.4 The tomb of Lelex is situated below the citadel near the sea. Pausanias 1.44.3 A citadel bearing the same name as the port exists in this location. Pausanias 1.44.3 The port in Megara was still known by this name at the time of writing. Pausanias 1.44.3 The Megarians commemorated a victory over the Athenians at this location. Pausanias 10.15.1 Nisaea is located at one end of the isthmus that connects to Pagae in Megaris. Strabo 8.1.3 The sea located at Nisaea is separated from the Alcyonian Sea by a mountain ridge. Strabo 9.1.8 Minos captured this port along with Megara after being betrayed by Nisus's daughter. Pausanias 2.34.7
Stories and history
The Megareans use Nisaea as their naval arsenal. Strabo 8.1.3 Walls on both sides connect Nisaea to the city of Megara. Strabo 9.1.4 A commander captured Nisaea while fighting against the Megarians. Herodotus 1.59.4 Nisus founded the settlement of Nisaea after receiving Megaris by lot. Strabo 9.1.6 The Cretans besieged Nisaea after capturing other cities in the Megarid. Pausanias 1.19.4
Myths set at Nisaea
- The Siege of Nisaea. Cretan forces besiege Nisaea after capturing other cities in the Megarid. Nisus holds the city of Alcathoë during the conflict with Minos. Ovid Met. 8.1-151 (2) +4
- The Capture of Nisus and Megara. Minos captures Nisus and Megara through the treachery of Nisus's daughter. Minos kills Nisus and orders the daughter thrown from the ship. Pausanias 1.19.4 +1 Minos