PIRAEUS (city in Attica)
City and port of Attica region, Greece
- Kind of place
- City
- Region
- Attica
- Patron
- Athena
- Landmarks
- Precinct of Athena and Zeus (Athena, Zeus) Pausanias 1.1.3; Sanctuary of Aphrodite Pausanias 1.1.3; Long portico with a market-place Pausanias 1.1.3; Zeus and a Demos Pausanias 1.1.3
- Where
- 37.94° N, 23.65° E
The Peiraeus had three harbors, unlike the single harbor at Phalerum. Pausanias 1.1.2 Piraeus functions as the naval arsenal for the Athenians. Strabo 9.1.2 Themistocles made the Peiraeus the official port of Athens. Pausanias 1.1.2
Described in the sources
The Piraeus is situated near the Munychia, within the circuit of its walls. Strabo 9.1.14 +1 Phreattys is located near the sea at the Peiraeus. Pausanias 1.28.11 The Piraeus is considered one of the demes in the region. Strabo 9.1.14 The Piraeus was formerly an island located off the shore. Strabo 1.3.18 The naval station could accommodate four hundred vessels. Strabo 9.1.15 Thrasybulus led the people back to the Piraeus from Phyle. Strabo 9.1.17 Piraeus is described as firm ground for frightened sailors. Statius, Thebaid 12.605-633 ΒΆ2 Docks existed in the Peiraeus up until the time of the narrator. Pausanias 1.1.2 The Piraeus is located near the small rocky island of Psyttalia. Strabo 9.1.14 The name Piraeus is said to derive from its former status as an island. Strabo 1.3.18
Stories and history
The Roman general Sylla took the Piraeus by siege and caused further damage to the location. Strabo 14.2.9 +1 Long walls connected the Asty to the Piraeus. Strabo 9.1.15 Olympiodorus successfully recovered the area of Peiraeus. Pausanias 1.26.3 The Piraeus was reduced to a small town after frequent wars. Strabo 9.1.15 An armoury built by Philon was situated within the walled area. Strabo 9.1.15 The area contained harbours filled with materials for ship-building. Strabo 9.1.15 A Macedonian garrison occupied Peiraeus after initially taking Munychia. Pausanias 1.25.5 Conon restored the walls of the place after the naval battle off Cnidus. Pausanias 1.2.2 The Lacedaemonians destroyed the walls of the port during their attacks. Strabo 14.2.9 Bronze images of Zeus and Athena are located within the Peiraeus precinct. Pausanias 1.1.3