PSOPHIS (city in Azania)
Ancient city of the Peloponnese, Greece
- Kind of place
- City
- Region
- Azania
- Landmarks
- Temple of Erymanthus Pausanias 8.24.12; Image of Erymanthus Pausanias 8.24.12
- People of myth here
- Erymanthian Boar, Phegeus
- Where
- 37.87° N, 21.89° E
Psophis is a city in the Peloponnese situated next to the river Erymanthus and the river Aroanius. Pausanias 8.24.1 Alcmaeon, the son of Amphiaraus, traveled to Psophis to seek purification from the Furies and is buried there, with a nearby mountain overshadowed by tall cypresses growing by his tomb. Apollodorus 3.7.5 The inhabitants maintain a temple and statue of the river god Erymanthus. Pausanias 8.24.12
Described in the sources
Psophis is a small city located in the region of Arcadia. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 4.10 ¶1 +2 The city was originally named Phegia, a name it still bore during the time of King Phegeus who resided there. Apollodorus 3.7.5 +2 Psophis shares a boundary with Seirae, which is situated thirty stades away from the city. Pausanias 8.23.9 +1 Psophis is described as a lofty place. Statius, Thebaid 4.281-305 ¶1 The road to Psophis passes through a grove called Soron. Pausanias 8.23.8 The city's name derives from the mother of Heracles' sons. Pausanias 8.24.2 The sons of Alcmaeon entered the palace located in this city. Apollodorus 3.7.6 A sanctuary of Aphrodite Erycine existed within the city of Psophis. Pausanias 8.24.6 The hero-shrines of Promachus and Echephron were located in this city. Pausanias 8.24.7 The plant panax grows at Psophis near the sources of the Erymanthus river. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 12.57 ¶1
Gods and worship
Inhabitants considered the cypresses near the tomb sacred to Alcmaeon. Pausanias 8.24.7
Stories and history
Phegeus purified Alcmaeon at this place. Apollodorus 3.7.5 Alcmaeon married Alphesiboea while residing in Psophis. Pausanias 8.24.8 Alcmaeon fled to Psophis after killing his mother in Argos. Pausanias 8.24.8 Some traditions state Psophis, son of Arrhon, founded the city. Pausanias 8.24.1 Alcmaeon returned to this city to retrieve the necklace and robe. Apollodorus 3.7.5 The sons of Alcmaeon killed Phegeus and his wife within this city. Apollodorus 3.7.6 Psophis princes had joined Alcmaeon in his campaign against Thebes. Pausanias 8.24.10 The Arcadians from Psophis dedicated a statue of Leonidas from Naxos. Pausanias 6.16.5 Only ruins of the sanctuary remained when the author visited the site. Pausanias 8.24.6 Other traditions claim Psophis, daughter of Xanthus, founded the city. Pausanias 8.24.1
Myths set at Psophis
- The Murder of Alcmaeon. Alcmaeon is treacherously murdered by the sons of Phegeus after they learn his true intent. He is subsequently buried in Psophis, a place formerly named Phegia. Apollodorus 3.7.5 +5 Alcmaeon
- The Murder of Alcmaeon. hook: The mad Alcmaeon arrives at the palace of Phegeus in Psophis. goal: Phegeus seeks to purify Alcmaeon and then kill him for theft. outcome: Phegeus is killed by Alcmaeon's sons in his own palace. Apollodorus 3.7.5 +2 Phegeus