THYREA (city in Mantinike and Tegeatis)
Ancient city in Cynuria, Greece
- Kind of place
- City
- Region
- Mantinike and Tegeatis
- Where
- 37.38° N, 22.68° E
The district was the site of a struggle between Lacedaemonians and Argives. Pausanias 10.9.12 The Argives and Lacedaemonians frequently disputed over the possession of the district, with the Argives claiming they had the better of the engagement. Pausanias 10.9.12 The Arcadians believe the city in Argolis was named after a figure called Thyraeus. Pausanias 8.3.3
Described in the sources
Thyrea is located in the region of Argolis. Pausanias 2.29.5 The Lacedaemonians won a victory in this location. Athenaeus 15.22 The territory of Thyrea includes several villages. Pausanias 8.54.4 The river Garates flows by the road leading to Thyrea. Pausanias 8.54.4 The tomb of Orestes is situated on the road to Thyrea. Pausanias 8.54.4 Thyrea is located along the straight road leading from Tegea. Pausanias 8.54.4 A sanctuary of Pan is found ten stades past the river Garates. Pausanias 8.54.4 The Gulf of Thyrea is where the river Tanaus empties its waters. Pausanias 2.38.7 The region was the subject of a dispute between the Spartans and the Argives. Herodotus 1.82.1
Stories and history
The site of Thyrea no longer existed at the time of writing. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 4.8 ¶1 The Sibyl foretold that the battle for the district would be drawn. Pausanias 10.9.12 A lack of certainty regarding its boundaries with Oropus caused a war. Strabo 1.4.8 The Lacedaemonians granted the Aeginetans permission to settle in Thyrea. Pausanias 2.29.5 Thyrea is destined to experience a future event involving Spartan bloodshed. Statius, Thebaid 4.46-67 ¶1 The Aeginetans took up residence in Thyrea after their island was depopulated. Pausanias 2.29.5