PHASIS (city in Colchis)
Ancient city in Colchis
- Kind of place
- City
- Region
- Colchis
- Where
- 42.14° N, 41.69° E
The Argonauts arrived at the broad-flowing Phasis during the night. Argonautica 2 ¶88 The Phasis is where the queen of keenest darts first brought the frenzied bird to men. Pindar, Pythian 4 ¶31 The Phasis is identified as one of the most celebrated rivers in the region. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 6.4 ¶2
Described in the sources
The Phasis is a river in Colchis that flows into the northern sea and serves as a market center for the Colchians. Argonautica 2 ¶90 +4 The city is situated at least 600 stadia from the recess of the bay at Dioscurias. Strabo 11.2.16 +1 The river receives water from other rivers in the plains, including the Glaucus and the Hippus. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 6.4 ¶2 +1 The Phasis river discharges into the Pontus, marking the greatest length of the sea from its mouth. Herodotus 4.86.2 +1 The city of Phasis is located on the river of the same name, near a lake situated on the river's banks. Strabo 11.2.16 +1 The city of Phasis is located on the river Phasis in the region of Colchis, bounded by the river, a lake, and the sea. Strabo 11.2.17 +1 The river becomes navigable when filled with water from tributaries and flows through a region containing a hundred and twenty bridges. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 6.4 ¶2 +1 The city of Aea is located close to the Phasis. Strabo 1.2.39 The river empties its waters into the Euxine Sea. Strabo 11.14.7 Xenokrates traveled to Phasis during the summer season. Pindar, Isthmian 2 ¶8
Stories and history
Some of Sesostris's soldiers may have stayed by the river out of weariness. Herodotus 2.103.2 The people of Phasis are characterized as breeding different passions than others. Statius, Thebaid 5.452-477 ¶1 The proverbial phrase about ships ending their course refers to Colchis, not the city or river. Strabo 11.2.16
Myths set at Phasis
- The Abduction of Hylas. Hylas, a companion of Heracles on the voyage for the golden fleece, leaves the group to fetch water and is abducted by nymphs. Heracles searches for him but eventually abandons the quest to walk to Phasis. Apollodorus 1.9.19 +5 Hylas
- The Sailing of the Argo. Jason leads the Argonauts on a journey to the Phasis, fitted out by Pelias. He navigates the ship through the Jostling Rocks after attempting to negotiate peace with a local group. Statius, Thebaid 5.398-425 ¶1 +5 Jason