PISA (city in Elis)
City-state of Greece, suppressed by Elis
- Kind of place
- City
- Region
- Elis
- Patron
- Artemis
- Landmarks
- Temple of Artemis Alphosa Athenaeus 8.36
- People of myth here
- Augeas, Hippodamia, Oenomaus, Pelops, Phlegyas, Salmoneus
- Where
- 37.64° N, 21.65° E
The site was named after the Hill of Kronos by Zeus. Pindar, Olympian 11 ¶8 Pisa is the location of the prophetic altar of Zeus. Pindar, Olympian 6 ¶2 Pisa was destroyed by the Eleans. Pausanias 6.22.4
Described in the sources
The sanctuary of Olympia, including its temple, is located within the district of Pisatis, through which the Alpheius river flows. Strabo 8.3.12 +3 The river Alpheius flows through the territory of Pisatis on its way to the sea. Pausanias 8.54.3 +2 Pisa is a tree-clad precinct situated by the banks of the Alpheos river, where the river and twelve major deities were honored. Pindar, Olympian 1 ¶2 +2 The land of Pisa is located beyond the Alpheius river. Pausanias 6.21.5 +1 Pisatis is located between the district of Triphylia and Olympia. Strabo 8.3.32 +1 Pisa was one of the sixteen inhabited cities within the region of Elis. Apollodorus, Epitome 2.9 +1 Pelops came to Pisa with swift horses and later won the sovereignty of the city. Euripides, Iphigenia Among the Tauri 1-41 +1 Pisa is described as the abode of Zeus, where he assembled his entire army and collected all the spoils. Pindar, Olympian 11 ¶8 +1 Pisa was originally separated from Arcadia by the same boundaries that now divide Arcadia and Elis, with the river Diagon marking its border facing Arcadia. Pausanias 6.21.3 +1 The games of Herakles are held at this location. Pindar, Nemean 10 ¶7
Gods and worship
Pelops performed annual sacrifices to heroes at this location while ruling it. Pausanias 6.21.11
Stories and history
Pelops the Lydian overthrew the ruler of Pisa after crossing from Asia and succeeding to its sovereignty by winning the marriage contest. Apollodorus, Epitome 2.9 +2 Asilas commands a thousand men from Pisa. Aeneid 10.166 Pisa was defeated in a war by the Eleans. Pausanias 5.10.2 Pisa revolted from the control of the Eleans. Pausanias 6.22.4 The Delphic oracle served as the salvation for Pisa. Pausanias 5.3.1 Pisa commands the poet to speak aloud in this context. Pindar, Olympian 3 ¶3 Frogs are produced in the warm springs located in Pisa. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 2.106 ¶4 The town of Pisa no longer stood at the time of writing. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 4.6 ¶2 Some writers derive the name Pisatis from the city of Pisa. Strabo 8.3.31 Women from certain cities made peace between Pisa and Elis. Pausanias 5.16.6
Myths set at Pisa
- The Chariot Race Against Oenomaus. Pelops travels to Pisa to win Hippodameia, who is protected by her father Oenomaus. He bribes Myrtilus to sabotage the king's chariot, wins the race, and takes control of Pisa. Apollodorus, Epitome 2.6 +5 Pelops
- The Cleansing at the Ocean. Pelops returns to Pisa after a journey to the Ocean where Hephaestus cleanses him. Later, the Pythian priestess commands the Eleans to retrieve his bones. Apollodorus, Epitome 2.9 +2 Pelops
- The Contest with Heracles. Alcides and Pelops meet for a contest in the fields of Pisa. Pelops drives a chariot so fast that his companion Myrtilos is left behind. Statius, Thebaid 5.744-753 ¶2 +1 Pelops
- The Contest with Pelops. Alcides travels to Pisa to compete in athletic contests against Pelops. He establishes a festival and uses wild-olive spray to clean his hair after fighting. Statius, Thebaid 5.744-753 ¶2 Heracles