SCARPHE (settlement in Eastern Locris)
Ancient settlement of central Greece
- Kind of place
- Settlement
- Region
- Eastern Locris
- Where
- 38.80° N, 22.66° E
Scarphe was a settlement in the region of Locris, inhabited by the Locrians who followed Ajax. Iliad 2 ΒΆ37 The settlement was completely destroyed from its foundations during a major earthquake, swallowing up at least one thousand seven hundred people. Strabo 1.3.20 A sea marsh located at the foot of Mount Oeta is near this settlement. Pausanias 7.15.4
Described in the sources
Scarpheia is located on the other side of Elateia. Pausanias 10.1.2 Scarpheia is located ten stadia inland from the sea. Strabo 9.4.4 The site was where Lacedaemonians attempted to save Greece. Pausanias 7.15.3 The settlement formerly known as Eteonus was renamed Scarphe. Strabo 9.2.24 A torrent of water flowed toward the location after the seismic event. Strabo 1.3.20 An engagement involving Thebans and Achaeans occurred at this location. Pausanias 7.15.9 The site was where Athenians performed a glorious exploit against the Gauls. Pausanias 7.15.3 Scarphe is part of the region called Parasopia, which is located within the Thebais. Strabo 9.2.24 The battle where Critolaus and Achaeans were overtaken occurred near this settlement. Pausanias 7.15.4 Scarpheia is positioned between Thronium and the next settlements, Nicaea and Thermopylae. Strabo 9.4.4
Stories and history
Critolaus fled to Scarpheia after learning Roman forces had crossed the Spercheius. Pausanias 7.15.3