PARIUM (city in Troad)
Ancient city of Troas in modern-day Turkey
- Kind of place
- City
- Region
- Troad
- Where
- 40.42° N, 27.07° E
Parium is a coastal city in the Propontis, within the Parian district. Pausanias 9.27.1 The city houses an undraped statue of Cupid created by the artist Praxiteles. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 36.4 ¶7 The inhabitants worship Love equally to how the Thespians do. Pausanias 9.27.1
Described in the sources
Parium is listed as a location used to measure the extent of the Hellespont. Athenaeus 14.51 +2 Parium is located between the settlements of Pitya and Priapus, with the city of Adrasteia situated between Priapus and Parium. Strabo 13.1.13 +1 Homer referred to the city by the name Adrastia. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 5.40 ¶1 Its harbour is larger than the harbour of Priapus. Strabo 13.1.14 Parium is described as a colony located along the Hellespont. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 5.40 ¶1 A statue of Hercules by Hegesias is located in the colony of Parium. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 34.19 ¶14 Resistos is located opposite the colony of Parium on the Chersonesus. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 4.18 ¶6 Damastes identifies Parium as the starting point for the Troad region. Strabo 13.1.4 The distance between Parium and Practius is stated to be three hundred stadia. Strabo 13.1.4 Parium is noted for producing crabs, which are described as the bears of the sea. Athenaeus 3.44
Stories and history
The city of Parium was founded by colonists from Paros, Erythrae, and Miletus. Pausanias 9.27.1 +2 An altar crafted by Hermocreon was erected in Parium. Strabo 10.5.7 +1 Neoptolemus, a writer, was a native of Parium. Strabo 13.1.19 The inhabitants paid court to the Attalic kings. Strabo 13.1.14 The name of the place was changed from Percope to Percote. Strabo 13.1.20 Residents claim that Parium produces excellent cheesecakes. Athenaeus 14.51 The people of the city are currently subject to the Romans. Pausanias 9.27.1 The altar in Parium was noted for its large size and beauty. Strabo 13.1.13 The city expanded by taking territory from Priapene with royal permission. Strabo 13.1.14 Furniture and stonework from a demolished temple were transported to Parium. Strabo 13.1.13