OINIADAI (town in Acarnania)
Town of ancient Acarnania, Greece
Oeniadae is situated on the banks of the Achelous river, 70 stadia above its mouth. Strabo 10.2.19 The river-god Achelous of Oeniadae fought Heracles for Deianira. Sophocles, Trachiniae 507-516 A lake named Melite belongs to the territory of Oeniadae. Strabo 10.2.21
Described in the sources
The ancient settlement of Oeniadae is currently uninhabited. Strabo 10.2.2 The old city is equidistant from the sea and the town of Stratus. Strabo 10.2.2 The river-god Achelous is described as coming from this location. Sophocles, Trachiniae 507-516 The island of Dolicha is located directly opposite the town of Oeniadae. Strabo 10.2.19 The town was the location where Messenians were besieged by Acarnanians. Pausanias 4.25.4 The current city is located seventy stadia upstream from the river's mouth. Strabo 10.2.2 The besieged inhabitants of Oeniadae sallied out of the town during the first sleep. Pausanias 4.25.10 The lake Melite, associated with Oeniadae, measures thirty stadia in length and twenty stadia in breadth. Strabo 10.2.21
Stories and history
The Acarnanians of Oeniadae were continually at war with the Athenians. Pausanias 4.25.1 The Acarnanians prepared to besiege the town after changing their plans. Pausanias 4.25.4 The Messenians claimed they were not afraid of Oeniadae or the Acarnanians. Pausanias 5.26.1 The majority of Oeniadae's inhabitants escaped through the Acarnanians to reach Naupactus. Pausanias 4.25.10 The Messenians stated their offering came from a conflict with the Athenians, not Oeniadae. Pausanias 5.26.1 The Acarnanians of Oeniadae were defeated by superior courage and besieged in their fortress. Pausanias 4.25.1 The people of Oeniadae were compelled to fight the Acarnanians after their escape became known. Pausanias 4.25.10 During a sally from Oeniadae, three hundred were lost while killing more Acarnanians, but most escaped safely. Pausanias 4.25.10