OPUS (city in Eastern Locris)
Ancient city in Greece
- Kind of place
- City
- Region
- Eastern Locris
- People of myth here
- Patroclus, Pyrrha
- Where
- 38.65° N, 22.99° E
Opus is the capital city of the Locri, and the Locri Opuntii derived their specific name from it. Strabo 9.4.1 Homer states that Patroclus was originally from this city. Strabo 9.4.2 The city is located approximately fifteen stadia away from the sea. Strabo 9.4.2
Described in the sources
Opus is the metropolis of the Locri Epicnemidii and served as the capital city for the Locri Opuntii. Strabo 9.2.42 +1 Opus is situated beyond the towns of Hyampolis and Abae and borders the locations of Panopeus and Hyampolis. Pausanias 10.1.2 +1 The city of Opus has a port named Cynus, which is situated sixty stadia from the city, with a fertile plain lying between them. Pausanias 10.1.2 +1 The Opuntian Gulf takes its name from the town of Opus. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 4.12 ¶2 Opus helps define the boundary of Phocis in that direction. Pausanias 10.1.2 Larymna was formerly part of the territory controlled by Opus. Pausanias 9.23.7 Menoetius was sent from this city to join the group of leaders. Argonautica 1 ¶12 The island of Atalanta is positioned directly opposite the city. Strabo 9.4.2 A grove named Aeaneium and a fountain named Aeanis are shown there. Strabo 9.4.2 Opus is a town located in the territory of the Epicnemidian Locrians. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 4.12 ¶2
Stories and history
Achilles promised Menoetius to return Patroclus to Opus after Troy. Strabo 9.4.2 Many parts of the city were damaged during a widespread earthquake. Strabo 1.3.20 The old stallion needed help lifting the front part of his body to mate. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 8.66 ¶1 The castle overlooking the city was completely destroyed by the seismic event. Strabo 1.3.20 A stallion reportedly served for breeding purposes until reaching the age of forty. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 8.66 ¶1