THESPIAE (city in Boeotia)
Ancient city-state of Boeotia
- Kind of place
- City
- Region
- Boeotia
- Patron
- Heracles
- Landmarks
- Sanctuary of Heracles Pausanias 9.27.6; Creusis Pausanias 9.32.1
- People of myth here
- Thespius, Tiphys, Narcissus
- Where
- 38.30° N, 23.16° E
The city is situated at the base of Mount Helicon, positioned more to the south. Pausanias 9.26.6 A sanctuary dedicated to Heracles is located within the city. Pausanias 9.27.6 Ascra, the birthplace of Hesiod, lies within the territory of this city. Strabo 9.2.25
Described in the sources
They are in a tolerable condition compared to Thebes. Strabo 9.2.5 Creusis serves as the harbor for the city of Thespiae. Pausanias 9.32.1 It lies about fifty stades from the Cabeirian sanctuary. Pausanias 9.26.6 A bronze statue of Zeus Saviour is located within the city. Pausanias 9.26.7 Seven of the sons of Heracles and Thespius settled in this city. Diodorus 4.29 Thespius held the title of king over the city-state of Thespiae. Apollodorus 2.4.10 Some claim the city was named after Thespia, a daughter of Asopus. Pausanias 9.26.6 Capes and mountain gales prevent a direct sea crossing to Thespiae. Pausanias 9.32.1 Pindar traveled to this city during the hot season when he was young. Pausanias 9.23.2 The sea route from the Peloponnesus to Thespiae's harbor is winding and rough. Pausanias 9.32.1
Gods and worship
The local priestess of Heracles must remain a virgin until her death. Pausanias 9.27.6
Stories and history
The city possesses an arsenal known as Creusa or Creusia. Strabo 9.2.25 The Thespians zealously fought wars on behalf of the Thebans. Herodotus 5.79.2 A dragon once devastated the city according to local tradition. Pausanias 9.26.7 The Macedonians razed the city and then restored and rebuilt it. Strabo 9.2.5 The men of Thespiae did not pay the tribute mentioned in the text. Herodotus 7.132.1 Their territory was devastated during the Persian war at Plataeae. Strabo 9.2.5 Pierus established nine Muses in the city after changing their names. Pausanias 9.29.3 The annual lot for sacrifice eventually fell upon the youth Cleostratus. Pausanias 9.26.7 The god commanded the city to sacrifice a youth annually to the monster. Pausanias 9.26.7 They sent a large group of people to join Penthilus in an Aeolian colony. Strabo 9.2.5
Myths set at Thespiae
- The Slaying of the Lion of Cithaeron. The lion of Cithaeron began harassing the cattle of Amphitryon and Thespius, prompting Heracles to travel to Thespiae to pursue it. Heracles slew the lion in his eighteenth year. Apollodorus 2.4.10 +2 Heracles