SKYLLAION (cape in Troezenia and Hermionis)
Cape in Greece, south of Poros
- Kind of place
- Cape
- Region
- Troezenia and Hermionis
- People of myth here
- Scylla
- Where
- 37.44° N, 23.52° E
Scyllaeum is an elevated cliff that is nearly surrounded by the sea. Strabo 6.1.5 part 2 The cape is named after Scylla, the daughter of Nisus. Pausanias 2.34.7 Waves cast the daughter's body onto this specific headland, where sea birds were permitted to tear the corpse to pieces. Pausanias 2.34.7
Described in the sources
The cape faces towards the east. Strabo 8.6.1 The cape looks towards the Cyclades islands. Strabo 8.6.1 The Argolic Gulf extends as far as this cape. Strabo 8.6.1 The cape is located near the town of Hermione. Strabo 8.6.13 The promontory of Caenys is located next to Scyllaeum. Strabo 6.1.5 part 2 The Scyllaeum is identified as the Hermionic promontory. Strabo 10.5.1 The island of Melos is located 700 stadia from the Scyllaeum. Strabo 10.5.1 Sword-fish are caught at this location using small boats and spears. Strabo 1.2.16 It is connected to the mainland by a low isthmus that is easily accessible. Strabo 6.1.5 part 2 The headland Bucephala is located in the direction of the city from Scyllaeum. Pausanias 2.34.8
Stories and history
No grave of the daughter is shown at this headland. Pausanias 2.34.7 The daughter of Nisus was thrown from a ship by Cretans. Pausanias 2.34.7 The fortification prevented pirates from passing through the strait. Strabo 6.1.5 part 2 Homer's description of Scylla's pursuit is compared to the fishing methods here. Strabo 1.2.16 Scylla was buried at this cape after her body was thrown onto the shore following her drowning by her father. Strabo 8.6.13