PLATAEA (city in Boeotia)
Ancient city, located in Greece in southeastern Boeotia
- Kind of place
- City
- Region
- Boeotia
- People of myth here
- Damasistratus of Plataea
- Where
- 38.22° N, 23.27° E
The terrain near Plataea consisted of low hills and level country. Herodotus 9.25.3 A temple dedicated to Hera was located at this site. Herodotus 9.61.3 The Greeks inflicted a devastating defeat on the barbarians at this location. Herodotus 9.76.1
Described in the sources
The Greek army fought against Mardonius and the Persians at this location. Athenaeus 12.50 +2 A spring named Gargaphian was located at this place, where troops positioned themselves. Herodotus 9.25.2 +1 Plataea is situated in the region of Boeotia. Herodotus 8.50.2 The Lacedaemonians constructed three tombs at this site. Herodotus 9.85.1 The road from Eleutherae leads directly to this location. Pausanias 9.2.3 Each Greek contingent buried their dead in separate spots here. Herodotus 9.85.1 A temple of Demeter stood near the battlefield at this location. Herodotus 9.101.1 The Greeks divided their spoils at this location after the battle. Herodotus 9.85.1 The Persians fought an action against the Arcadians at this location. Pausanias 8.6.1 Precincts of Eleusinian Demeter were situated on the battlefield here. Herodotus 9.101.1
Stories and history
Persian forces suffered a severe defeat at this location on the same day as their loss at Mykale, fleeing in disorder to their camp after being routed by Lacedaemonians. Herodotus 9.65.1 +1 The army of Xerxes burned the city of Plataea. Herodotus 8.50.2 The city was besieged and captured by Archidamus. Pausanias 3.7.10 The Greeks buried their fallen soldiers at this location. Herodotus 9.86.1 The city was friendly to Athens at the time of its capture. Pausanias 3.7.10 The city was captured two years before the battle of Leuctra. Pausanias 9.1.8 The men of Plataea did not pay the tribute mentioned in the text. Herodotus 7.132.1 The method of capture allowed all inhabitants to survive the event. Pausanias 9.1.8 The expelled residents were subsequently accepted back by the Athenians. Pausanias 9.1.8 The Greeks planned to march against Thebes after burying their dead here. Herodotus 9.86.1