SCHOENUS (city in Boeotia)
Ancient Greek city in Boeotia, located East of Thebes
- Kind of place
- City
- Region
- Boeotia
- People of myth here
- Atalanta, Peneleus, Schoeneus
- Where
- 38.43° N, 23.36° E
Schoenos is described as the home of the huntress Atalanta. Statius, Thebaid 7.255-281 ¶1 Atalanta famously imprinted her feet on the plain near Schoenos. Statius, Thebaid 7.255-281 ¶1 Race-courses associated with Atalanta are located near Schoenus. Pausanias 8.35.10
Described in the sources
Schoenus is a district within the territory of Thebes that received its name from a Boeotian man named Schoeneus. Pausanias 8.35.10 +1 It lies on the road leading to Anthedon. Strabo 9.2.22 Schoenus is situated after the Plain of Polus. Pausanias 8.35.10 A river named Schoenus flows through the district. Strabo 9.2.22 Schoenus was a settlement held by the Boeotian forces. Iliad 2 ¶34 The location is not situated within the Argive territory. Strabo 8.6.4 The distance from the Piraeus to Schoenus is about 350 stadia. Strabo 9.1.2 The narrow part of the Diolcus passage is situated at Schoenus. Strabo 8.6.22 A temple dedicated to the Isthmian Neptune stands near Schoenus. Strabo 8.6.4 The location is approximately eighteen hundred stadia from Maleae. Strabo 8.6.4
Stories and history
The people of Schoenos wield long ashen Macedonian spears. Statius, Thebaid 7.255-281 ¶1 The land adjoining Schoenus is considered to be Arcadia by locals. Pausanias 8.35.10 The proud people of Schoenos join the camp supporting the monarch's cause. Statius, Thebaid 7.255-281 ¶1 The inhabitants of Schoenos carry shields that struggle to block savage attacks. Statius, Thebaid 7.255-281 ¶1