ORESTHASIUM (city in Mantinike and Tegeatis)
Ancient city in Arkadia
- Kind of place
- City
- Region
- Mantinike and Tegeatis
- Where
- 37.35° N, 22.21° E
Orestheus established the city of Oresthasium. Pausanias 8.3.1 A sanctuary dedicated to Artemis, who is called Priestess, existed there. Pausanias 8.44.2 Remains of the city include pillars from a sanctuary of Artemis. Pausanias 8.44.2
Described in the sources
Oresthasium was an ancient city located in the region of Arkadia. Pausanias 8.3.2 +1 It was one of several cities founded by Lycaon's sons. Pausanias 8.3.1 The city was founded during the third generation after Pelasgus. Pausanias 8.3.1 The city is located on the right side of the road after Haemoniae. Pausanias 8.44.2 Oresthasium was one of the cities located in the region of Maenalus. Pausanias 8.27.3 The city had a shared burial site for its chosen men located in Phigalia's market-place. Pausanias 8.41.1
Gods and worship
Annual sacrifices were offered to the buried men of the city as heroes. Pausanias 8.41.1
Stories and history
The city eventually changed its name to Oresteium. Pausanias 8.3.2 The name change occurred after Orestes, the son of Agamemnon. Pausanias 8.3.2 The Arcadians abandoned Oresthasium due to their hatred of the Lacedaemonians. Pausanias 8.27.3 Inhabitants of Oresthasium eagerly competed to be chosen for an expedition to Phigalia, where one hundred selected men were destined to die in battle to allow the Phigalians to return to their city. Pausanias 8.39.4