ORCHOMENUS (city in Boeotia)
Ancient Greek city-state of Boeotia
- Kind of place
- City
- Region
- Boeotia
- Landmarks
- Temple of the Graces Strabo 9.2.40
- People of myth here
- Amphion, Clymenus, Erginus, Thalia of the Charites
- Where
- 38.49° N, 22.97° E
Homer described Orchomenus as being rich in sheep. Pausanias 8.3.3 The city was known by the epithet Minyeian due to its association with the Minyae. Odyssey 11 ¶23 Most of this Orchomenian plain is covered by a lake. Pausanias 8.13.4
Described in the sources
The river Cephisus flows through the territory of Orchomenus. Strabo 9.2.19 +3 Hyettus, the destination where Hyettus fled after leaving Argos and where the king of Orchomenus granted him land, is considered part of the district of Orchomenus. Pausanias 9.24.3 +2 Minyans from this city migrated to Teos alongside Athamas. Pausanias 7.3.6 +1 The city was the origin of Chloris, who became the wife of Neleus. Pausanias 10.29.5 +1 Orchomenus is described as a wealthy location comparable to Egyptian Thebes. Argonautica 3 ¶84 +1 The Minyae were expelled from Orchomenus by the Thebans after the battle of Leuctra. Apollodorus 2.4.11 +1 The people of Orchomenus kept the additional name Minyans to distinguish them from Arcadian Orchomenians. Herodotus 1.146.1 +1 Phocis lies along the northern side of Boeotia and Orchomenus, forming the mountain-side boundary of Orchomenus. Pausanias 9.39.1 +1 A sanctuary of Artemis Hymnia stands on the borders of Orchomenus on a mountain slope, located on the left side of the road leading from Anchisiae. Pausanias 8.13.1 +1 Thirty ships came from Orchomenus. Iliad 2 ¶35
Gods and worship
A wooden image of Artemis is located near the city. Pausanias 8.13.2 The Graces are worshipped in the city of Orchomenus. The Catalogues of Women and Eoiae fr. 26 Sanctuaries of Poseidon and Aphrodite with stone images exist in the city. Pausanias 8.13.2 Stone artistic images were dedicated in Orchomenus during Pausanias's lifetime. Pausanias 9.38.1 Inhabitants of Orchomenus worship stones that they claim fell from heaven for Eteocles. Pausanias 9.38.1 Orchomenus Minyeius participated in common sacrifices at the temple of Neptune on Calauria. Strabo 8.6.14
Stories and history
The Thebans expelled the Orchomenians from their city, and Philip later restored them. Diodorus 4.18 +1 The citizens of Orchomenus joined the Ionian expedition due to their kinship with the sons of Codrus. Pausanias 7.2.3 +1 The city was considered one of the richest places in the entire world and very powerful in ancient times. Iliad 9 ¶20 +1 Sulla treated the city harshly, consistent with his actions against Thebes, and removed the statue of Dionysus from the Minyae of Orchomenus. Pausanias 9.30.1 +1 Orchomenos sent troops to aid the war effort. Statius, Thebaid 4.281-305 ¶1 The city is described as being rich in flocks. Iliad 2 ¶45 King Erginus was reportedly killed by Hercules. Strabo 9.2.40 Orchomenus founded the city-state of Orchomenus. Pausanias 8.3.3 Orchomenus founded the town known as Methydrium. Pausanias 8.3.3 Callippus of Corinth wrote a history about this city. Pausanias 9.29.2
Myths set at Orchomenus
- The Storm and Rescue of the Argonauts. Argus, forced by his dying father's command to claim his inheritance, is shipwrecked in a violent storm and washed ashore. He reunites with the Argonauts, where he provides counsel and leads the group through various encounters, including a confrontation with a king and a journey across a plain. Argonautica 2 ¶74 +5
- The War of Heracles against the Minyans. Heracles mutilated and expelled heralds sent to collect tribute from Thebes, sparking a conflict with the Minyans. He defeated King Erginus in battle, razed their city, and forced the Minyans to pay double tribute to Thebes. Apollodorus 2.4.11 +5
- The Ionian Expedition to Ionia. The Minyans of Orchomenus joined the Ionian expedition to Ionia because they were related to the leaders, the sons of Codrus. They settled in the city of Teos, where they were received without hostility by Apoecus. Herodotus 1.146.1 +2
- The Death of Clymenus. hook: Clymenus is wounded by a stone thrown by a charioteer of Menoeceus. goal: Clymenus is carried to Orchomenus. outcome: Clymenus dies during the journey and the Minyans demand annual tribute from Thebans for the murder. Apollodorus 2.4.11 +1