THASOS (island)
Greek island in north Aegean Sea
- Kind of place
- Island
- Where
- 40.69° N, 24.66° E
The island is named after a Phoenician named Thasos. Herodotus 6.47.1 The island was colonized by Phoenicians who discovered its mines. Herodotus 6.47.1 Thasos possessed mines that generated revenue for the islanders. Herodotus 6.46.3
Described in the sources
The island lies near the borders of Thrace and Macedonia, and the west winds appear to blow from Thrace to its inhabitants. Strabo 1.2.20 part 2 +1 Thasos is described as a free state. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 4.23 ¶4 The island is located six miles away from Lemnos. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 4.23 ¶4 Thasos is situated within the fifth climatic zone. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 6.39 ¶6 Archestratus advises buying mullet while at Thasos. Athenaeus 7.127 It was formerly known by the names Aëria or Æthria. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 4.23 ¶4 Mount Athos is sixty-two miles away from the island. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 4.23 ¶4 The island of Thasos is situated opposite Samothrace. Herodotus 6.47.2 Thasos is reported to produce a specific type of stone. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 37.22 ¶2 Astaci are produced in the waters surrounding the island. Athenaeus 3.65
Gods and worship
The Thasians originally worshipped the same Heracles as the Tyrians. Pausanias 5.25.12 After joining the Greeks, the Thasians adopted worship of Heracles son of Amphitryon. Pausanias 5.25.12 A poem claims wine from this island cures head and stomach aches and is described as a present from the God of healing. Athenaeus 1.51
Stories and history
Thasians paid no taxes on their agricultural crops. Herodotus 6.46.3 The island was established by colonists from Paros. Strabo 10.5.7 The people of Thasos moved all their ships to Abdera. Herodotus 6.47.2 The island was also established by colonists from Parium. Strabo 10.5.7 Alexis describes the wine from this island as rich and rosy. Athenaeus 1.51 The Thasians dedicated a bronze statue of Heracles at Olympia. Pausanias 5.25.12 Eubulus suggests soaking one's throat in wine from this island. Athenaeus 1.51 The island's inhabitants sing worthless songs about the location. Athenaeus 15.55 Many inhabitants of the island are driven to sea by bitter penury. Athenaeus 15.55 A specific variety of grape used in Egypt is named after the island. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 14.9 ¶1