PARAPOTAMII (city in Phocis)
Ancient polis of Phocis in Greece
- Kind of place
- City
- Region
- Phocis
- Where
- 38.55° N, 22.81° E
The ancient Phocian polis is known by the names Parapotamii and Parapotamia, which translate to Riverside. Pausanias 10.33.7 The Cephissus river flows through the town of Parapotamii, which is positioned between two narrow passes formed by the river. Herodotus 8.33.1 Parapotamii is located at the entrance from Boeotia into Phocis. Strabo 9.3.16
Described in the sources
Parapotamii is a city in Phocis that serves as the only entrance into the region. Pausanias 10.33.8 +2 The mountain Acontium extends as far as Parapotamii. Strabo 9.2.42 Anemoreia is located in the interior region near Parapotamii. Strabo 9.3.15 The site sits on a moderate eminence between Parnassus and Hadylium. Strabo 9.3.16 Parapotamia is identified as the source of the highest quality œnanthe. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 12.61 ¶1 Parapotamii was one of the Phocian cities captured and destroyed by Philip. Pausanias 10.3.1 A saying claims a verse about the Cephisus refers to farmers, not this city. Pausanias 10.33.7 Parapotamii is situated near the towns of Phanoteus, Chaeroneia, and Elateia, approximately forty stadia away from Chaeroneia. Strabo 9.3.16
Stories and history
The city was razed to the ground and burned by a marching army during the Sacred War. Herodotus 8.33.1 +1 King Xerxes burned the city of Parapotamii. Pausanias 10.33.8 No ruins of the city remained when Pausanias visited. Pausanias 10.33.8 The specific site of the city was no longer remembered. Pausanias 10.33.8 The narrow pass near Parapotamii was disputed during the Phocian war. Strabo 9.3.16 The remaining inhabitants were scattered among other cities due to poverty and low numbers. Pausanias 10.33.8 Parapotamii was considered distinguished in ancient times due to its association with Homer's poetry. Pausanias 10.3.1