POTNIAI (city in Boeotia)
Ancient city of Boeotia, Greece
- Kind of place
- City
- Region
- Boeotia
- Patron
- Demeter
- Landmarks
- Well Pausanias 9.8.2; Grove of Demeter and the Maid Pausanias 9.8.1; Images of goddesses Pausanias 9.8.1
- Where
- 38.30° N, 23.31° E
Potniae is located in the plain in front of Thebes, and there is a road from it to the city. Pausanias 9.8.3 A temple of Dionysus Goat-shooter is located in this city. Pausanias 9.8.2 A well is shown in the city whose water makes mares go mad. Pausanias 9.8.2
Described in the sources
A grove dedicated to Demeter and the Maid exists within the ruins. Pausanias 9.8.1 Some people identify the small town mentioned by the poet as Potniae. Strabo 9.2.32 The fable of Glaucus being torn apart by mares is associated with this location. Strabo 9.2.24 The ruins of the city are located across the Asopus river, about ten stades from the nearby city. Pausanias 9.8.1
Gods and worship
Images of goddesses are located at the river flowing past the city. Pausanias 9.8.1 A ritual involving releasing young pigs into specific halls is performed there. Pausanias 9.8.1
Stories and history
The pigs released in the ritual are said to appear in Dodona the following year. Pausanias 9.8.1