PHIGALIA (city in Parrhasia)
Ancient Greek city
- Kind of place
- City
- Region
- Parrhasia
- Patron
- Artemis
- Landmarks
- Sanctuary of Artemis Saviour Pausanias 8.39.5; Bronze image of Apollo Pausanias 8.30.3
- Where
- 37.40° N, 21.84° E
Phigalia was founded by Phigalus, who was the son of Lycaon. Pausanias 8.5.7 The Neda river flows near the city of Phigalia. Pausanias 8.41.3 The top of the hill where the city sits is level and flat. Pausanias 8.39.5
Described in the sources
The river Lymax flows directly next to the city of Phigalia and into the Neda near the hot baths. Pausanias 8.41.2 +1 The city is situated on high, mostly precipitous land with walls built on cliffs, encircled by mountains on both its left and right sides. Pausanias 8.39.5 +1 The Azanian Arcadians resided in this city. Pausanias 8.42.6 Phigalia is located to the west of Lycosura. Pausanias 8.39.1 Narycidas, a wrestler, hailed from this city. Pausanias 6.6.1 A cave within the city once hid the figure Deo. Pausanias 8.42.6 Pytheas was a resident of the town of Phigalea. Athenaeus 11.14 The people of Phigalea lived near the Messenians. Athenaeus 10.59 Mount Cotilius is located to the left of the city. Pausanias 8.41.7 A location named Bassae is situated on the mountain. Pausanias 8.41.7
Gods and worship
Local boys cut their hair near the river to honor the waterway. Pausanias 8.41.3 The cave nook in the city needed to be adorned with divine honors. Pausanias 8.42.6 The people of Phigalia believe Eurynome is a name for the goddess Artemis. Pausanias 8.41.5 The entire population was required to offer libations to appease Deo's anger. Pausanias 8.42.6 The locals customarily begin their processions from the sanctuary of Artemis Saviour. Pausanias 8.39.5 Annual sacrifices are performed at the Phigalian tomb to honor the buried men as heroes. Pausanias 8.41.1
Stories and history
The city temporarily changed its name to Phialia to honor Phialus, son of Bucolion, before restoring its original name. Pausanias 8.3.2 +2 Phigalus, son of Lycaon, established the city of Phigalia. Pausanias 8.3.1 +1 The city eventually changed its name to Phialia, a renaming that was not universally accepted by the people. Pausanias 8.3.2 +1 A paean was sung after the libations were made. Athenaeus 4.31 During Hero sacrifices, everyone feasted with the slaves. Athenaeus 4.31 The people of Phigalea were frequently engaged in travelling. Athenaeus 10.59 Deo forced the people to stop pasturing and return to farming. Pausanias 8.42.6 When sacrificing to Heroes, a large sacrifice of oxen took place. Athenaeus 4.31 Harmodius wrote a treatise about the laws and customs of Phigalea. Athenaeus 11.14 The city's walls were in danger of being captured during the siege. Pausanias 8.39.3
Myths set at Phigalia
- The Founding of Arcadian Cities by Lycaon's Sons. Lycaon's eldest son Nyctimus holds power in the region, prompting Lycaon's many sons to establish their own settlements. The sons found numerous cities across Arcadia, including Pallantium, Oresthasium, and Phigalia, while Lycaon himself is also credited with founding Phigalia. Pausanias 8.26.1 +5 Lycaon