ORTYGIA (island in Sicily)
Island in Syracuse, Italy
- Kind of place
- Island
- Region
- Sicily
- Patron
- Artemis
- Landmarks
- Fountain Arethusa Strabo 6.2.4 part 2
- Where
- 37.06° N, 15.29° E
Artemis was born on the island of Ortygia. Hymn III to Delian Apollo ll. 1-18 The fountain Arethusa flows into the sea from the island. Strabo 6.2.4 part 2 Many temples, both ancient and later, are located in the place. Strabo 14.1.20
Described in the sources
Ortygia is an island located opposite the thickly inhabited portion of the city of Syracuse. Diodorus 5.3 +3 Ortygia is described as a scion of the famous city of Syracuse. Pindar, Nemean 1 ¶1 +1 The Alpheius river is visible at the mouth of Ortygia before Syracuse. Pausanias 5.7.3 +1 Ortygia is described as the dwelling-place of the goddess Artemis of the river. Pindar, Nemean 1 ¶1 +1 Syra lies over above Ortygia. Odyssey 15 ¶34 The land near Ortygia changes direction. Odyssey 15 ¶34 The island is situated near a round lake. Callimachus, Hymn 2 ¶2 An island named Syria is located above Ortygia. Strabo 10.5.8 The island is also known by the name Plemmyrium. Aeneid 3.692 The river Cenchrius flows through the wood of Ortygia. Strabo 14.1.20
Gods and worship
Jason promised to bring countless offerings to Ortygia if the gods saved the heroes. Argonautica 1 ¶56 +1 Pindar describes Ortygia as a revered place where the Alpheus reappears. Strabo 6.2.4 part 2 The Curetes celebrate their Symposia and perform mystic sacrifices at the same time. Strabo 14.1.20 A convention and festival are celebrated annually in this location, during which young men compete in the splendor of their convivial entertainments. Strabo 14.1.20
Stories and history
The Alpheius river unites its water with Arethusa in Ortygia. Pausanias 8.54.3 Arethusa transformed into a spring while on the island of Ortygia. Pausanias 5.7.2 Hieron adorned Ortygia with the shining splendor of victory crowns. Pindar, Pythian 2 ¶1 A statue of Ortygia stands beside Latona, holding a child in each arm. Strabo 14.1.20 Nymphs caused the fountain on Ortygia to gush forth to please Artemis. Diodorus 5.3 Ortygia was dear to Arethusa because it bore the surname of her goddess. Ovid Met. 5.564-641 (3) The island boasts the fountain Arethusa, which springs in great abundance. Strabo 6.2.4 part 2 The wood contains trees of all kinds, with cypress being the most abundant. Strabo 14.1.20 The name Ortygia for Delos came from many quails settling there for shelter. Athenaeus 9.47 Arethusa crossed to Ortygia because she refused to marry the hunter Alpheius. Pausanias 5.7.2