PAROS (island)
Greek island, part of the Cyclades
- Kind of place
- Island
- Patron
- Demeter
- Where
- 37.05° N, 25.18° E
The island is described as gleaming white in color. Aeneid 3.121 Paros produces marble that is best suited for creating statues. Strabo 10.5.7 Archilochus mentions the figs growing within the marble island of Paros. Athenaeus 3.9
Described in the sources
Paros is an island in the Cyclades, rich in marble deposits and surrounded by the sea. Aeneid 3.121 +4 Paros is a sea-washed island near the speaker's land and was left to the left of the flying pair's path. Aeschylus, Persians 879-887 +1 Figs grow on the island of Paros. Athenaeus 3.9 Paros is the birthplace of the poet Archilochus. Strabo 10.5.7 Nicanor and Arcesilaüs were natives of this island. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 35.39 ¶1 The island was originally known by the name Platea. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 4.22 ¶2 The mineral sarda is found in the locality of Paros. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 37.31 ¶1 A river named Asopus flows through the island of Paros. Strabo 8.6.24 The light of the late stars fell upon the island of Paros. Statius, Thebaid 5.177-204 ¶1 A district named Pariane contains a location called Sminthia. Strabo 13.1.48
Gods and worship
The local custom of sacrificing to the Graces without flutes or garlands originated from Minos's actions there. Apollodorus 3.15.7
Stories and history
Paros is well known for its marble resources and is characterized as a marble island. Athenaeus 3.9 +1 Miltiades sailed his army to the island under a false pretext, held a personal grudge against the inhabitants, and failed to capture it during a military attempt. Herodotus 6.133.1 +1 Miltiades failed to win control of the island. Herodotus 6.135.1 People from Paros founded the island of Thasos. Strabo 10.5.7 Rhadamanthys gave the island to Alcaeus as a gift. Diodorus 5.79 The island contains a city that shares the name Paros. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 4.22 ¶2 According to Varro, the marble was quarried using lamplight. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 36.4 ¶3 People from Paros founded the city of Parium in the Propontis. Strabo 10.5.7 The inhabitants of Paros are described as seafaring islanders. Athenaeus 3.9 The marble quarries on the island are said to refill over time. Strabo 5.2.6
Myths set at Paros
- The Death of Androgeus. Minos is sacrificing to the Graces in Paros when he learns his son Androgeus was killed at the Panathenaia. He removes his garland and stops the music, then completes the sacrifice despite the bad news. Apollodorus 3.15.7 +1 Minos