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'''Thespiae''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|θ|ɛ|s|p|i|.|iː}} {{respell|THESP|ee|ee}}; {{langx|grc|Θεσπιαί|Thespiaí}}) was an [[ancient Greece|ancient Greek]] city (''[[polis]]'') in [[Boeotia]]. It stood on level ground commanded by the low range of hills which run eastward from the foot of [[Mount Helicon]] to [[Thebes, Greece|Thebes]], near modern [[Thespies]].{{sfn|Chisholm|1911}}
'''Thespiae''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|θ|ɛ|s|p|i|.|iː}} {{respell|THESP|ee|ee}}; {{langx|grc|Θεσπιαί|Thespiaí}}) was an [[ancient Greece|ancient Greek]] city (''[[polis]]'') in [[Boeotia]]. It sits at the foot of [[Mount Helicon]] and near right bank of the Thespius River (modern name Kanavari River).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dictionary of Greek and Roman Geography (1854), THE´SPIAE |url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus:text:1999.04.0064:entry=thespiae-geo |access-date=2025-05-29 |website=www.perseus.tufts.edu}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Buck |first=Robert |title=A History of Boeotia |date=1978 |publisher=University of Alberta Press |page=10}}</ref>


During the [[Second Persian invasion of Greece]], Thespiae's 700 hoplites remained with the [[Sparta|Spartans]] in the [[Battle of Thermopylae]], fighting the [[Achaemenid Empire|Persians]] and allowing the Greek forces to retreat. It was one of the few Boeotian cities to stay loyal to Greece after the battle.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=Aug 1, 2020 |title=Thespiae |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Thespiae |access-date=April 19, 2024 |website=Encyclopædia Britannica}}</ref> Although Thespian hoplites are popularly depicted with dark cloaks and crescent shields, no evidence supports the historical accuracy of these items.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sparta.markoulakispublications.org.uk/index.php?id=133|title=What the Thespian hoplites looked like?|url-status=dead|date=2007-10-27|author-last=Markloulakis|author-first=Nikolaos|website=Sparta: Journal of Ancient Spartan and Greek History| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304023218/http://www.sparta.markoulakispublications.org.uk/index.php?id=133| archive-date=2016-03-04}}</ref> In Ancient Greece, Thespiae rivaled [[Thebes, Greece|Thebes]] and survived through the [[Roman Empire]].<ref name=":0" />
Thespiae was a Boeotian state sporadically involved in the military federal league known as the Boeotian League. The Boeotian League began in 520 BCE under the leadership of Thebes.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Buck |first=R. J. |date=1972 |title=The Formation of the Boeotian League |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/269215 |journal=Classical Philology |volume=67 |issue=2 |pages=97 |issn=0009-837X}}</ref>
 
During the [[Second Persian invasion of Greece]], Thespiae's 700 hoplites remained with the [[Sparta|Spartans]] in the [[Battle of Thermopylae]], fighting the [[Achaemenid Empire|Persians]] and allowing the Greek forces to retreat. Centuries later Greece honored them with a [[Battle of Thermopylae#Thespian monument|monument]]. Thespiae was one of the few Boeotian cities to stay loyal to Greece after the battle.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=Aug 1, 2020 |title=Thespiae |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Thespiae |access-date=April 19, 2024 |website=Encyclopædia Britannica}}</ref> Thespiae rivaled [[Thebes, Greece|Thebes]] and survived through the [[Roman Empire]].<ref name=":0" />
 
Thespiae was involved in mythical Greek tales depicting creatures such as the [[Lion of Cithaeron]] and a dragon that ate people whole.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":3" /> Mythical figures like Heracles and Narcissus also interacted with the environment of Thespiae. <ref name=":13" /><ref name=":1" />
 
Thespiae's religious practices included worshiping [[Eros]] and the [[Muses]].<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":72" /> Artists such as [[Praxiteles]] and [[Lysippos]] honored Eros through sculptures.<ref name=":8" /> Citizens held festivals and competitions dedicated to the Muses and Eros.<ref name=":14" /><ref name="Athenaeus 13.12 EN2" />
 
== Etymology ==
Its citizens are called Thespians which holds no correlation with the [[common noun]] '''thespian''' meaning "actor". The noun comes from the legendary first actor named [[Thespis]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Thespian - Etymology, Origin & Meaning |url=https://www.etymonline.com/word/Thespian |access-date=2025-05-23 |website=etymonline |language=en-US}}</ref> Both ''Thespis'' and ''Thespiae'', however, are derived from the noun {{lang|grc|θέσπις}} ({{transliteration|grc|théspis}}, meaning 'divine inspiration').{{Citation needed|date=June 2025}}
 
== Topography ==
According to historian Snodgrass, during Thespian periods of control over smaller cities like Siphai and their harbors, Thespiae created a "natural steppingstone" effect through a sea route it could use without going through and being subject to powerful states like Athens. Thespiae was at a geographic advantage to choose between allying with Athens and Sparta, and its close ally Platea.<ref name=":10">{{Cite book |last=Snodgrass |first=Anthony |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctv2t4d1j |title=Boiotia in the Fourth Century B.C. |date=2016 |publisher=University of Pennsylvania Press |isbn=978-0-8122-4880-7 |pages=9}}</ref> The geography and demographic changes of Thespiae after the decrease in the hoplite class is thought to have allowed Thespiae to make a decision to oppose Thebes and leave the Boeotian League.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Snodgrass |first=Anthony |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctv2t4d1j |title=Boiotia in the Fourth Century B.C. |date=2016 |publisher=University of Pennsylvania Press |isbn=978-0-8122-4880-7 |pages=10}}</ref>
 
== Archeology ==
The probable remains of the ancient [[acropolis]] consists of an oval line of fortification, while the ground to the east and south are covered with foundations. Topographer Martin William Leake noted that the unique fortified enclosure implied that many of the other buildings stood without walls.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dictionary of Greek and Roman Geography (1854), THE´SPIAE |url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus:text:1999.04.0064:entry=thespiae-geo |access-date=2025-05-29 |website=www.perseus.tufts.edu}}</ref>
[[File:Boeotian_kantharos_Louvre_MNC670.jpg|thumb|201x201px|A [[kantharos]] from Thespiae (450–425&nbsp;BC) inscribed in the [[History of the Greek alphabet|Boeotian alphabet]] [Louve Museum: MNC 670]]In 1882, Greek archaeologist [[Panagiotis Stamatakis]] excavated a communal tomb ''([[polyandrion]])'', which was discovered on the road to [[Leuctra]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=The scientific work - MUSEUM OF THEBES |url=https://www.mthv.gr/en/the-museum/the-scientific-work/ |access-date=2025-05-21 |website=www.mthv.gr}}</ref> The tomb contained cremated remains, associated with an in-situ pyre, seven inhumations, and a colossal stone lion. The tomb dates back to the second half of the 5th century BCE. It is usually identified as the tomb of the Thespian soldiers who died at the [[Battle of Delium]] in 424 BCE.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Hornblower |first1=Simon |title=The Oxford Classical Dictionary |last2=Spawforth |first2=Anthony |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=1999 |place=Oxford |page=1510}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
In the [[ancient Greece#History|history of ancient Greece]], Thespiae was one of the cities of the federal league known as [[Boeotia|the Boeotian League]]. Several traditions agree that the Boeotians were a people expelled from [[Ancient Thessaly|Thessaly]] some time after the mythical [[Trojan War]], and who colonised the Boeotian plain over a series of generations, of which the occupation of Thespiae formed a later stage.<ref name=Buck-1979/>{{rp|pages=76–78}} Other traditions suggest that they were of [[Mycenaeans|Mycenean origin]].  
Several traditions agree that the Boeotians were a people expelled from [[Ancient Thessaly|Thessaly]] some time after the mythical [[Trojan War]]. The people colonized the Boeotian plain over a series of generations, of which the occupation of Thespiae formed a later stage.<ref name="Buck-19792">{{cite book |author=Buck, R.J. |title=A History of Boeotia |year=1979 |pages=96}}</ref>{{rp|pages=76–78}} Other traditions suggest that they were of [[Mycenaeans|Mycenean origin]].  


===Archaic period===
===Archaic period===
In the Archaic period, the Thespian nobility was heavily dependent on Thebes.<ref>[[Heraclides Ponticus]] (''FHG'' fr. 43)</ref> This possibly reflected that land ownership was concentrated in the hands of a small number of nobles, creating difficulty in equipping an effective force of [[hoplite]]s.<ref name=Buck-1979/>{{rp|page=96}} Thespiae therefore decided to become a close ally of Thebes.<ref name="Hdt-5.79">{{cite book |author=[[Herodotus]] |title=[[Histories (Herodotus)|The Histories]] |at=5.79}}</ref> The Thespians destroyed [[Ascra]] at some point between 700–650 BCE, and later settled Eutresis between 600–550 BCE. Thespiae also took control over [[Creusis]], [[Siphae]], [[Thisbe (Boeotia)|Thisbe]] and [[Chorisae]], probably some time in the late sixth century.<ref name=Buck-1979/>{{rp|pages=98–99}}
According to a Greek philosopher, Thespian nobility was heavily dependent on Thebes during the late seventh century.<ref>[[Heraclides Ponticus]] (''FHG'' fr. 43)</ref> Wealth in the form of land ownership was concentrated in the hands of a small number of nobles. Most nobility couldn't afford the necessary armor to become an effective force of [[Hoplite|hoplites]].<ref name="Buck-19793">{{cite book |author=Buck, R.J. |title=A History of Boeotia |year=1979 |pages=96}}</ref>{{rp|page=96}} Thespiae therefore decided to become a close ally of Thebes for protection.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Herodotus. The Histories. 5.79. |url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.01.0126%3Abook%3D5%3Achapter%3D79}}</ref><ref name="Buck-19793" />
 
The Thespians destroyed [[Ascra]] at some point between 700–650 BCE and later settled Eutresis between 600–550 BCE, which signaled the end of their sole reliance on Thebes. It has been speculated that Thespiae took control over [[Creusis]], [[Siphae]], [[Thisbe (Boeotia)|Thisbe]] and Chorisae sometime in the late sixth century.<ref name="Buck-19794">{{cite book |author=Buck, R.J. |title=A History of Boeotia |year=1979 |pages=96}}</ref>{{rp|pages=98–99}}
 
The Thessalians invaded [[Boeotia]] as far as Thespiae in 571 BCE, more than 200&nbsp;years before the Battle of [[Battle of Leuctra|Leuctra]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Plutarch. Camillus. 19. |url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Plut.+Cam.+19&fromdoc=Perseus%3Atext%3A2008.01.0012#note1}}</ref> This is argued to have given Thespiae the impetus to join the Boeotian League.<ref name=":92">{{Cite journal |last=Buck |first=R. J. |date=1972 |title=The Formation of the Boeotian League |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/269215 |journal=Classical Philology |volume=67 |issue=2 |pages=100 |issn=0009-837X}}</ref> Historian RJ Buck argues that the Leagues purpose was to protect against Thessalian and other forces.<ref name=":9">{{Cite journal |last=Buck |first=R. J. |date=1972 |title=The Formation of the Boeotian League |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/269215 |journal=Classical Philology |volume=67 |issue=2 |pages=100 |issn=0009-837X}}</ref> But elsewhere Plutarch gives a date for the Thessalian invasion as shortly preceding the [[Second Persian invasion of Greece|Second Persian War]].<ref>{{cite book |author=[[Plutarch]] |title=[[On the Malice of Herodotus]] |at=33 |postscript=;}} {{cite book |author=[[Plutarch]] |title=[[Moralia]] |at=866e}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Plutarch. De Herodoti malignitate. 33. |url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Plut.+De+Herod.+33&fromdoc=Perseus%3Atext%3A2008.01.0352}}</ref> Herodotus suggests that Thespiae had been a member of the league as long as Thebes had been.<ref name=":22">{{Cite web |title=Herodotus. The Histories. 5.79. |url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.01.0126%3Abook%3D5%3Achapter%3D79}}</ref> 


The Thessalians invaded [[Boeotia]] as far as Thespiae, more than 200&nbsp;years before [[Battle of Leuctra|Leuctra]] (according to Plutarch), {{circa|571&nbsp;BCE}}, which might have given Thespiae the impetus to join the Boeotian League.<ref>{{cite book |author=[[Plutarch]] |title=Cam. |at=19}}</ref> But elsewhere Plutarch gives a date for the Thessalian invasion as shortly preceding the [[Second Persian invasion of Greece|Second Persian War]].<ref>{{cite book |author=[[Plutarch]] |title=[[On the Malice of Herodotus]] |at=33 |postscript=;}} {{cite book |author=[[Plutarch]] |title=[[Moralia]] |at=866e}}</ref> Herodotus suggests that Thespiae had been a member of the league as long as Thebes had been.<ref name="Hdt-5.79"/> Following the [[Greco-Persian Wars|Persian Wars]], Thespiae provided two [[Boeotarch]]s to the league, rather than one; perhaps one for the city and one for the districts under its control.<ref name=Buck-1979/>{{rp|pages=134, 155}}
Following the [[Greco-Persian Wars|Persian Wars]], Thespiae provided two [[Boeotarch|Boeotarchs]] (military generals) to the league, rather than one; perhaps one for the city and one for the districts under its control.<ref name="Buck-19795">{{cite book |author=Buck, R.J. |title=A History of Boeotia |year=1979 |pages=96}}</ref>{{rp|pages=134, 155}} Snodgrass argues that the inclusion of Thisbai, Siphai, and Chorsia in the Thespiae polis provided for two of the eleven districts that provided Boeotian armed forces.<ref name=":112">{{Cite book |last=Snodgrass |first=Anthony |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctv2t4d1j |title=Boiotia in the Fourth Century B.C. |date=2016 |publisher=University of Pennsylvania Press |isbn=978-0-8122-4880-7 |pages=12}}</ref>


=== Persian, Peloponnesian, and Corinthian wars ===
=== Persian, Peloponnesian, and Corinthian wars ===
By the time of the [[Second Persian invasion of Greece|Persian invasion of 480&nbsp;BCE]] Thespiae's ability to field a substantial force of hoplites had changed. Thespiae and Thebes were the only Boeotian cities to send a contingent to [[Battle of Thermopylae|fight at Thermopylae]], Thespiae sending a force of 700 hoplites who remained to fight beside the Spartans on the final day of the battle.<ref>{{cite book |author=[[Herodotus]] |title=[[Histories (Herodotus)|The Histories]] |at=7.202-205}}</ref> In 1997, the Greek government dedicated a [[Battle of Thermopylae#Thespian monument|monument to the Thespians who fell]] alongside that of the [[Sparta|Spartans]]. After the battle, Thebes was the final Boeotian state to side with the Persians, and in doing so they denounced both Plataea and Thespiae to [[Xerxes I of Persia|Xerxes&nbsp;I]] as the only Boeotian states to side with the Greeks.<ref>{{cite book |author=[[Herodotus]] |title=[[Histories (Herodotus)|The Histories]] |at=8.50}}</ref> After the city was burned down by Xerxes, the remaining inhabitants furnished a force of 1,800&nbsp;men for the confederate Greek army that [[Battle of Plataea|fought at Plataea]].{{sfn|Chisholm|1911}}
By the time of the [[Second Persian invasion of Greece|Persian invasion of 480&nbsp;BCE]] Thespiae's ability to field a substantial force of hoplites had changed. Thespiae and Thebes were the only Boeotian cities to send a contingent to [[Battle of Thermopylae|fight at Thermopylae]]. Thespiae sent a force of 700 hoplites who remained to fight beside the Spartans on the final day of the battle.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Herodotus, The Histories, Book 7, chapter 202 |url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus:text:1999.01.0126:book=7:chapter=202 |access-date=2025-05-20 |website=www.perseus.tufts.edu}}</ref> Although Thespian hoplites are popularly depicted with dark cloaks and crescent shields, no evidence supports the historical accuracy of these items.<ref>{{cite web |author-last=Markloulakis |author-first=Nikolaos |date=2007-10-27 |title=What the Thespian hoplites looked like? |url=http://www.sparta.markoulakispublications.org.uk/index.php?id=133 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304023218/http://www.sparta.markoulakispublications.org.uk/index.php?id=133 |archive-date=2016-03-04 |website=Sparta: Journal of Ancient Spartan and Greek History}}</ref>


During the [[Peloponnesian War|Athenian invasion of Boeotia in 424&nbsp;BCE]], the Thespian contingent of the Boeotian army sustained heavy losses at the [[Battle of Delium]].{{sfn|Chisholm|1911}} In the next year, the Thebans dismantled the walls of Thespiae on the charge that the Thespians were pro-Athenian, perhaps as a measure to prevent a democratic revolution.<ref>{{cite book |author=[[Thucydides]] |title=[[History of the Peloponnesian War]] |at=4.133}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Larsen, J.A.O. |year=1955 |title=The Boeotian Confederacy and Fifth-century Oligarchic Theory |pages=47–50}}</ref><ref name=Buck-1979>{{cite book |author=Buck, R.J. |year=1979 |title=A History of Boeotia}}</ref>{{rp|page=161}} In 414 the Thebans aided the Thespians in suppressing a democratic revolution.<ref>{{cite book |author=[[Thucydides]] |title=[[History of the Peloponnesian War]] |at=6.95}}</ref>
After the battle of Thermopylae, Thebes sided with the Persians and denounced Plataea and Thespiae as the only Boeotian states to ally with the Greeks.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=Herodotus, The Histories, Book 8, chapter 50 |url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Hdt.+8.50&fromdoc=Perseus:text:1999.01.0126 |access-date=2025-05-20 |website=www.perseus.tufts.edu}}</ref> The Persian army lead by [[Xerxes I of Persia|Xerxes&nbsp;I]] burned down the two cities and the remaining inhabitants furnished a force of 1,800&nbsp;men for the confederate Greek army that [[Battle of Plataea|fought at Plataea]].<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Herodotus, The Histories, Book 9, chapter 30 |url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Hdt.+9.30&fromdoc=Perseus:text:1999.01.0126 |access-date=2025-05-20 |website=www.perseus.tufts.edu}}</ref>During the [[Peloponnesian War|Athenian invasion of Boeotia in 424&nbsp;BCE]], the Thespian contingent of the Boeotian army sustained heavy losses at the [[Battle of Delium]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Thucydides, History of the Peloponnesian War, THE FOURTH BOOK, chapter 93 |url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus:text:1999.01.0247:book=4:chapter=93 |access-date=2025-05-20 |website=www.perseus.tufts.edu}}</ref> In the next year, the Thebans dismantled the walls of Thespiae on the charge that the Thespians were pro-Athenian. It is argued that the dismantling of the walls was perhaps a measure to prevent a democratic revolution.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Thucydides, History of the Peloponnesian War, THE FOURTH BOOK, chapter 133 |url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Thuc.+4.133&fromdoc=Perseus:text:1999.01.0247 |access-date=2025-05-20 |website=www.perseus.tufts.edu}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Larsen, J.A.O. |title=The Boeotian Confederacy and Fifth-century Oligarchic Theory |year=1955 |pages=47–50}}</ref><ref name="Buck-19796">{{cite book |author=Buck, R.J. |title=A History of Boeotia |year=1979 |pages=96}}</ref>{{rp|page=161}}In 414 BCE the Thebans aided the Thespians in suppressing a democratic revolution.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Thucydides, History of the Peloponnesian War, THE SIXTH BOOK, chapter 95 |url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Thuc.+6.95&fromdoc=Perseus:text:1999.01.0247 |access-date=2025-05-20 |website=www.perseus.tufts.edu}}</ref>  The Boeotian League dissolved under Kings Peace in 386 BCE.<ref name=":11">{{Cite book |last=Snodgrass |first=Anthony |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctv2t4d1j |title=Boiotia in the Fourth Century B.C. |date=2016 |publisher=University of Pennsylvania Press |isbn=978-0-8122-4880-7 |pages=12}}</ref>  


In the [[Corinthian War]], Thespiae was initially part of the anti-Spartan alliance. At the [[Battle of Nemea]] in 394&nbsp;BCE, the Thespian contingent fought the [[Pellene]]s to a standstill while the rest of the Spartan allies were defeated by the Boeotians.<ref>{{cite book |author=[[Xenophon]] |title=[[Hellenica]] |at=4.2.20}}</ref> After [[Battle of Nemea|Nemea]], Thespiae became an ally to Sparta and served as staging point for Spartan campaigns in Boeotia throughout the Corinthian War.<ref>{{cite book |author=[[Xenophon]] |title=[[Hellenica]] |at=5.4.10, 5.4.15ff, 5.4.41}}</ref> The city became autonomous as stipulated in the [[Peace of Antalcidas|King's Peace]] of 386&nbsp;BCE which resolved the Corinthian War, and maintained autonomy until 373&nbsp;BCE.<ref>{{cite book |author=[[Xenophon]] |title=[[Hellenica]] |at=5.1.31}}</ref> In 373&nbsp;BCE Thespiae was subdued by the Thebans, the Thespians were exiled from Boeotia and they arrived in Athens along with the Plataeans seeking aid.<ref>{{cite book |author=[[Xenophon]] |title=[[Hellenica]] |at=6.3.1-5}}</ref> But they still sent a contingent to fight against the Spartans at the [[Battle of Leuctra]] in 371&nbsp;BCE. The Boeotarch [[Epameinondas]] allowed the Thespians to withdraw before the battle, along with other Boeotians who nursed a grudge against Thebes.<ref>{{cite book |author=[[Pausanias (geographer)|Pausanias]] |title=Hellados Periegesis |trans-title=[[Description of Greece]] |at=9.13.8}}</ref> Not long after the battle Thespiae was razed by Thebes and its inhabitants expelled.<ref>{{cite book |author=Stylianou, P.J. |year=1998 |title=A Historical Commentary on Diodorus Siculus, Book 15 |page=367}}</ref> At some point later the city was restored.
In the [[Corinthian War]], Thespiae was initially part of the anti-Spartan alliance. At the [[Battle of Nemea]] in 394&nbsp;BCE, the Thespian contingent fought the [[Pellene|Pellenes]] to a standstill while the rest of the Spartan allies were defeated by the Boeotians.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Xenophon, Hellenica, Book 4, chapter 2, section 20 |url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Xen.+Hell.+4.2.20&fromdoc=Perseus:text:1999.01.0206 |access-date=2025-05-20 |website=www.perseus.tufts.edu}}</ref> After [[Battle of Nemea|Nemea]], Thespiae became an ally to Sparta and served as staging point for Spartan campaigns in Boeotia throughout the Corinthian War.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Xenophon, Hellenica, Book 5, chapter 4, section 10 |url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Xen.+Hell.+5.4.10&fromdoc=Perseus:text:1999.01.0206 |access-date=2025-05-20 |website=www.perseus.tufts.edu}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Xenophon, Hellenica, Book 5, chapter 4, section 15 |url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Xen.+Hell.+5.4.15&fromdoc=Perseus:text:1999.01.0206 |access-date=2025-05-20 |website=www.perseus.tufts.edu}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Xenophon, Hellenica, Book 5, chapter 4, section 41 |url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Xen.+Hell.+5.4.41&fromdoc=Perseus:text:1999.01.0206 |access-date=2025-05-20 |website=www.perseus.tufts.edu}}</ref> The city became autonomous as stipulated in the [[Peace of Antalcidas|King's Peace]] of 386&nbsp;BCE which resolved the Corinthian War and maintained autonomy until 373&nbsp;BCE.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Xenophon, Hellenica, Book 5, chapter 1, section 31 |url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Xen.+Hell.+5.1.31&fromdoc=Perseus:text:1999.01.0206 |access-date=2025-05-20 |website=www.perseus.tufts.edu}}</ref> The Boeotian League also dissolved under King's Peace.<ref name=":11" />  


=== Hellenistic period ===
=== Hellenistic period ===
In 335&nbsp;BCE, the Thespians joined in an alliance with [[Alexander the Great]] in destroying Thebes. The famous ''[[hetaera]]'' ([[wikt:courtesan|courtesan]]) [[Phryne]] was born at Thespiae in the 4th&nbsp;century&nbsp;BCE, though she seems to have lived at [[Athens]]. One of the anecdotes told of her is that she offered to finance the rebuilding of the Theban walls on the condition that the words ''Destroyed by Alexander, Restored by Phryne the courtesan'' were inscribed upon them.
In 373 BCE, Thespiae was deprived of independent status and incorporated as an appendage to Thebes.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Snodgrass |first=Anthony |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctv2t4d1j |title=Boiotia in the Fourth Century B.C. |date=2016 |publisher=University of Pennsylvania Press |isbn=978-0-8122-4880-7 |pages=11}}</ref> Its citizens were exiled from Boeotia and they arrived in Athens seeking aid.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Xenophon, Hellenica, Book 6, chapter 3, section 1-5 |url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Xen.+Hell.+6.3.1&fromdoc=Perseus:text:1999.01.0206 |access-date=2025-05-20 |website=www.perseus.tufts.edu}}</ref> Still, the Thespians sent a contingent to fight against the Spartans at the [[Battle of Leuctra]] in 371&nbsp;BCE. The Boeotarch [[Epameinondas]] allowed the Thespians to withdraw before the battle, along with other Boeotians who nursed a grudge against Thebes.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pausanias, Description of Greece, Boeotia, chapter 13, section 8 |url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Paus.+9.13.8&fromdoc=Perseus:text:1999.01.0206 |access-date=2025-05-20 |website=www.perseus.tufts.edu}}</ref> Not long after the battle, Thespiae was razed by Thebes and its inhabitants expelled.<ref>{{cite book |author=Stylianou, P.J. |title=A Historical Commentary on Diodorus Siculus, Book 15 |year=1998 |page=367}}</ref> At some point later the city was restored.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025}}
 
In 335&nbsp;BCE, the Thespians joined an alliance with [[Alexander the Great]] to destroy Thebes. The famous ''[[hetaera]]'' ([[wikt:courtesan|courtesan]]) [[Phryne]] was born at Thespiae in the 4th&nbsp;century&nbsp;BCE, though she seems to have lived at [[Athens]]. An anecdote by [[Athenaeus]] recounts that she offered to finance the rebuilding of the Theban walls on the condition that the words ''Destroyed by Alexander, Restored by Phryne the courtesan'' were inscribed upon them.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Athenaeus |title=The Deipnosophists, Book 13 |chapter=60}}</ref>


In the ''[[Greek Anthology]]'', it is written that on an altar in Thespiae there was a tripod dedicated to the "[[Zeus]] the Thunderer" ({{langx|grc|Ἐριβρεμέτῃ}}). The tripod was set up for the Thespiae soldiers who went and fought in Asia, with Alexander the Great, to take revenge for their ancestors.<ref>{{cite book |title=Greek Anthology |at=[https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=urn:cts:greekLit:tlg7000.tlg001.perseus-grc1:6.344 Book&nbsp;6, 6.344] |via=Perseus, [[Tufts University]] }}</ref>
In the ''[[Greek Anthology]]'', it is written that on an altar in Thespiae there was a tripod dedicated to "[[Zeus]] the Thunderer" ({{langx|grc|Ἐριβρεμέτῃ}}). The tripod honored the Thespiae soldiers who went and fought in Asia with Alexander the Great avenge their ancestors.<ref>{{cite book |title=Greek Anthology |at=[https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=urn:cts:greekLit:tlg7000.tlg001.perseus-grc1:6.344 Book&nbsp;6, 6.344] |via=Perseus, [[Tufts University]] }}</ref>


During the [[Hellenistic period]], Thespiae sought the friendship of the [[Roman Republic]] in the war against [[Mithridates VI]]. It is subsequently mentioned by [[Strabo]] as a place of some size, and by [[Pliny the Elder|Pliny]] as a free city, within the [[Roman Empire]], a reward for its support against Mithridates. Thespiae hosted an important group of Roman [[Roman commerce|negotiatores]] until the refoundation of [[Corinth]] in 44&nbsp;BCE.<ref>{{cite book |editor1=Buckler, J. |editor2=Spawforth, A.J.S. |year=2009 |title=The Oxford Classical Dictionary |chapter=Thespiae |chapter-url=}}</ref>
Thespiae also sought the friendship of the [[Roman Republic]] in war against [[Mithridates VI]]. As a reward for its support against Mithridates, [[Pliny the Elder|Pliny]] referred to Thespiae as a free city within the Roman Empire. Thespiae was also mentioned by [[Strabo]] as one of two places (the other being Tanagra) that could be called a city.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dictionary of Greek and Roman Geography (1854), THE´SPIAE |url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus:text:1999.04.0064:entry=thespiae-geo |access-date=2025-05-30 |website=www.perseus.tufts.edu}}</ref> Thespiae hosted an important group of Roman [[Roman commerce|negotiatores]] until the refoundation of [[Corinth]] in 44&nbsp;BCE.<ref>{{cite book |title=The Oxford Classical Dictionary |year=2009 |editor1=Buckler, J. |chapter=Thespiae |editor2=Spawforth, A.J.S. |chapter-url=}}</ref>


[[Pausanias (geographer)|Pausanias]] wrote that Thespians dedicated at [[Olympia, Greece|Olympia]] a statue of Pleistaenus ({{lang|grc|Πλείσταινος}}), son of the Eurydamus ({{lang|grc|Εὐρυδάμος}}), who was the general against the [[Gauls]].<ref>{{cite book |author=[[Pausanias (geographer)|Pausanias]] |title=Hellados Periegesis |trans-title=[[Description of Greece]] |at=[https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0525.tlg001.perseus-grc1:6.16.1 6.16.1] |via=Perseus, [[Tufts University]] }}</ref>
[[Pausanias (geographer)|Pausanias]] wrote that Thespians dedicated at [[Olympia, Greece|Olympia]] a statue of Pleistaenus ({{lang|grc|Πλείσταινος}}), son of the Eurydamus ({{lang|grc|Εὐρυδάμος}}), who was the general against the [[Gauls]].<ref>{{cite book |author=[[Pausanias (geographer)|Pausanias]] |title=Hellados Periegesis |trans-title=[[Description of Greece]] |at=[https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0525.tlg001.perseus-grc1:6.16.1 6.16.1] |via=Perseus, [[Tufts University]] }}</ref>
== Notable Thespians ==
* [[Demophilus of Thespiae]]: Commander of the Thespian force at the Battle of Thermopylae.
* [[Phryne]]: a hetaira. She is best known for her trial for impiety, where she was defended by the orator Hypereides.
* Amphion ({{langx|grc|Ἀμφίων}}): An ancient writer who wrote about the Temple of the Muses on Mount Helicon.<ref name=":5">[https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0008.tlg001.perseus-grc2:14.26 Athenaeus, Deipnosophists, 14.26 (Greek)]</ref><ref name=":6">{{Cite web |title=Athenaeus, The Deipnosophists, Book XIV., chapter 26 (English) |url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Ath.+14.26&fromdoc=Perseus:text:2013.01.0003 |access-date=2025-05-21 |website=www.perseus.tufts.edu}}</ref>


== Mythology ==
== Mythology ==
Thespiae bore importance in numerous [[Greek mythology|myths]], despite not being a major Greek city. Notably, [[Narcissus (mythology)|Narcissus]] was a Thespian youth who, after gazing upon his reflection in a pool, fell in love with himself, leading to his demise.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Narkissos |url=https://www.theoi.com/Heros/Narkissos.html |access-date=April 20, 2024 |website=Theoi Project}}</ref> It also appeared in the myth of [[Heracles]], where he helped free it from the [[Lion of Cithaeron]]. As a reward, he was granted a night with each of the fifty daughters of King [[Thespius]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=William |title=A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology |url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus:text:1999.04.0104:entry=heracles-bio-1 |website=Perseus Digital Library}}</ref>  
The name "Thespiae" has contesting mythological origins between [[Thespius|King Thespius]], the city's founder, and [[Thespia (mythology)|Thespia]], a [[Naiad]]-[[nymph]], abducted by [[Apollo]].<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |last=Pausanias |title=Description of Greece |url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Paus.+9.26.6&fromdoc=Perseus:text:1999.01.0160:book=9:chapter=26&highlight=Thespia |access-date=April 19, 2024 |website=Perseus Digital Library}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Thespia |url=https://www.theoi.com/Nymphe/NympheThespia.html |access-date=2024-04-20 |website=Theoi Project}}</ref> The city of Thespiae bore importance in numerous [[Greek mythology|myths]] such as the tale of [[Narcissus (mythology)|Narcissus]], a Thespian youth who, after gazing upon his reflection in a pool, fell in love with himself, leading to his demise.<ref name=":13">{{Cite web |title=Narkissos |url=https://www.theoi.com/Heros/Narkissos.html |access-date=April 20, 2024 |website=Theoi Project}}</ref>  


The town was similarly plagued by a serpent, the Thespian Dragon, to which it sacrificed a youth every year. The Dragon was eventually slain by a man named [[Menestratus (Thespiae)|Menestratus]], who, wanting to save his lover [[Cleostratus (mythology)|Cleostratus]], let himself be swallowed while wearing a spiked breastplate.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Drakon Thespiakos |url=https://www.theoi.com/Ther/DrakonThespiakos.html |access-date=April 20, 2024 |website=Theoi Project}}</ref>
The city of Thespiae also appeared within the myth of Hercules. The city was plagued by the Lion of Cithaeron who was destroying the flocks. King Thespius promised to reward Hercules a night with each of his fifty daughters if he could subdue the lion. When he successfully completed his mission, Hercules was granted a night with each of the fifty daughters of King Thespius.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology, Heracles or HERCULES |url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus:text:1999.04.0104:entry=heracles-bio-1 |access-date=2025-05-21 |website=www.perseus.tufts.edu}}</ref>  


[[Mount Helicon]], believed to have been created by [[Pegasus]], is found near the city.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pegasos |url=https://www.theoi.com/Ther/HipposPegasos.html |website=Theoi Project}}</ref> The [[Muses]] often dwelled on the mountain's sacred spring [[Hippocrene]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mousai |url=https://www.theoi.com/Ouranios/Mousai.html |website=Theoi Project}}</ref>
Another Thespian myth involves a dragon which plagued the city. Zeus decided a youth would be picked at random to be sacrificed to the dragon each year. But when the youth [[Cleostratus (mythology)|Cleostratus]] was picked, his lover [[Menestratus (Thespiae)|Menestratus]] sacrificed himself to save him and destroyed the dragon by wearing a spiked breastplate which slayed the beast as it swallowed him.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Pausanias, Description of Greece, Boeotia, chapter 26, section 7 |url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus:text:1999.01.0160:book=9:chapter=26:section=7 |access-date=2025-05-21 |website=www.perseus.tufts.edu}}</ref>


The name "Thespiae" has contesting mythological origins between [[Thespius|King Thespius]], the city's legendary founder, and [[Thespia (mythology)|Thespia]], a [[Naiad]]-[[nymph]], abducted by [[Apollo]]. She was a daughter of the river god [[Asopus]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Pausanias |title=Description of Greece |url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Paus.+9.26.6&fromdoc=Perseus:text:1999.01.0160:book=9:chapter=26&highlight=Thespia |access-date=April 19, 2024 |website=Perseus Digital Library}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Thespia |url=https://www.theoi.com/Nymphe/NympheThespia.html |access-date=2024-04-20 |website=Theoi Project}}</ref>
The myth surrounding [[Mount Helicon]] included the nine [[Muses]].<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |title=Mousai |url=https://www.theoi.com/Ouranios/Mousai.html |website=Theoi Project}}</ref> During a musical contest, the Muses performed a song that inspired Mount Helicon to rise toward the heavens. Poseidon advised [[Pegasus]] to stop its ascent by kicking it with its hoof which created the sacred spring [[Hippocrene]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=PEGASUS (Pegasos) - Winged Horse of Greek Mythology |url=https://www.theoi.com/Ther/HipposPegasos.html |access-date=2025-05-22 |website=www.theoi.com}}</ref>


==Ancient religion==
==Ancient religion==
[[File:Venus Arles.jpg|thumb|left|upright|The [[Venus of Arles]], modeled after the ''Aphrodite of Thespiae'' by Praxiteles]]
[[File:Venus Arles.jpg|thumb|left|upright|The [[Venus of Arles]], modeled after the ''Aphrodite of Thespiae'' by Praxiteles [Louve Museum: Ma 439 (MR 365)]]According to [[Pausanias (geographer)|Pausanias]], the [[Religion in ancient Greece|deity most worshipped]] at Thespiae was [[Eros (god)|Eros]].<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |title=Pausanias, Description of Greece, Boeotia, chapter 27 |url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Paus.+9.27&fromdoc=Perseus:text:1999.01.0160 |access-date=2025-05-23 |website=www.perseus.tufts.edu}}</ref> Sculptors honored Eros in their art. [[Praxiteles]] created ''Eros of Thespiae'' out of [[Parian marble]] and later, [[Lysippos]] crafted an Eros out of bronze.<ref name=":8" /> Praxiteles' statue attracted the attention of the Romans. It was carried off to [[Rome]] by [[Caligula]], restored to Thespiae by [[Claudius]], and again claimed by Roman emperor [[Nero]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pausanias, Description of Greece, Boeotia, chapter 27, section 1-5 |url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus:text:1999.01.0160:book=9:chapter=27:section=1 |access-date=2025-05-21 |website=www.perseus.tufts.edu}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Eros from Thespiai (Sculpture) |url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/artifact?name=Eros+from+Thespiai&object=Sculpture |access-date=2025-05-23 |website=www.perseus.tufts.edu}}</ref>
 
According to [[Pausanias (geographer)|Pausanias]], the [[Religion in ancient Greece|deity most worshipped]] at Thespiae was [[Eros (god)|Eros]], whose primitive image was an unwrought stone. The city contained many works of [[art]], among them the ''Eros'' of [[Praxiteles]], one of the most famous statues in the ancient world; it drew crowds of people to Thespiae. It was carried off to [[Rome]] by [[Caligula]], restored by [[Claudius]], and again carried off by [[Nero]].{{sfn|Chisholm|1911}}<ref>[[Pausanias (geographer)|Paus.]] 9.27.1-4</ref> Another work by Praxiteles associated with Thespiae was an ''Aphrodite'', after which the [[Venus of Arles]] is thought to have been modeled. There was also a bronze statue of Eros by [[Lysippos]].
 
The Thespians celebrated the Erotidia ({{langx|grc|Ἐρωτίδεια}}) meaning festivals of [[Eros]].<ref name="Athenaeus 13.12 GR">[https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0008.tlg001.perseus-grc2:13.12 Athenaeus, Deipnosophistae, 13.12 - Greek]</ref><ref name="Athenaeus 13.12 EN">[https://topostext.org/work/218#13.78 Athenaeus, Deipnosophistae, 13.12 - English]</ref>
 
The Thespians also worshipped the [[Muse]]s, honored by a shrine in the [[Valley of the Muses]] and celebrated in a festival in the sacred grove on Mount Helicon.{{sfn|Chisholm|1911}}
 
[[Clement of Alexandria]] writes that at Thespiae there was a statue of the Cithaeronian [[Hera]].<ref>[https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0555.tlg001.perseus-grc1:4 Clement of Alexandria, Exhortations, 4.1]</ref>


==Thespians==
Another work by Praxiteles was ''Aphrodite of Thespiae'', after which the [[Venus of Arles]] is thought to have been modeled.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Furtwängler |first=Johann Michael Adolf |title=Meisterwerke der Griechischen Plastik |date=1893}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Pausanias, Description of Greece, Boeotia, chapter 27, section 5 |url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus:text:1999.01.0160:book=9:chapter=27:section=5 |access-date=2025-05-23 |website=www.perseus.tufts.edu}}</ref> [[Clement of Alexandria]] writes that at Thespiae there was a statue of the Cithaeronian [[Hera]].<ref>[https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0555.tlg001.perseus-grc1:4 Clement of Alexandria, Exhortations, 4.1]</ref>
Citizens of Thespiae are called Thespians. The [[common noun]] '''thespian''' meaning "actor" comes from the legendary first actor named [[Thespis]], and not the city. Both ''Thespis'' and ''Thespiae'', however, are derived from the noun {{lang|grc|θέσπις}} ({{transliteration|grc|théspis}}, meaning 'divine inspiration').


* [[Demophilus of Thespiae]] &ndash; Commander of the Thespian force at the [[Battle of Thermopylae]].
Thespians also worshipped the nine [[Muse|Muses]]. At the Temple of the Muses in Helicon, boys would dance as part of honoring the deities.<ref name=":52">[https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0008.tlg001.perseus-grc2:14.26 Athenaeus, Deipnosophists, 14.26 (Greek)]</ref><ref name=":62">{{Cite web |title=Athenaeus, The Deipnosophists, Book XIV., chapter 26 (English) |url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Ath.+14.26&fromdoc=Perseus:text:2013.01.0003 |access-date=2025-05-21 |website=www.perseus.tufts.edu}}</ref> Noting the appearance of the Muses at Athens, Sparta, Corinth, and other Greek states, a source concludes that the Thespians and other Boeotians spread the value of the Muses to other parts of Greece.<ref name=":72">{{Cite web |title=Mousai |url=https://www.theoi.com/Ouranios/Mousai.html |website=Theoi Project}}</ref>
* [[Phryne]] &ndash; a [[hetaira]]. She is best known for her trial for impiety, where she was defended by the orator [[Hypereides]].
* Amphion ({{langx|grc|Ἀμφίων}}) &ndash; An ancient writer.<ref>[https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0008.tlg001.perseus-grc2:14.26 Athenaeus, Deipnosophists, 14.26]</ref>


==Archaeology==
The Muses were honored by a shrine in the Valley of the Muses and celebrated in a festival in the sacred grove on Mount Helicon.<ref name=":14">{{Cite web |title=MUSES CULT - Ancient Greek Religion |url=https://www.theoi.com/Cult/MousaiCult.html#Boiotia |access-date=2025-05-21 |website=www.theoi.com}}</ref> During the festival, men would celebrate and compete in music and athletic games in honor of Eros. <ref>{{Cite web |title=Pausanias, Description of Greece, Boeotia, chapter 31 |url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Paus.+9.31&fromdoc=Perseus:text:1999.01.0160 |access-date=2025-05-23 |website=www.perseus.tufts.edu}}</ref> Another festival celebrated by Thespians was the Erotidia ({{langx|grc|Ἐρωτίδεια}}) meaning festivals of Eros.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Athenaeus, The Deipnosophists, Book XIII., chapter 12 |url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Ath.+13.12&fromdoc=Perseus:text:2013.01.0003 |access-date=2025-05-21 |website=www.perseus.tufts.edu}}</ref><ref name="Athenaeus 13.12 GR2">[https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0008.tlg001.perseus-grc2:13.12 Athenaeus, Deipnosophistae, 13.12 - Greek]</ref><ref name="Athenaeus 13.12 EN2">[https://topostext.org/work/218#13.78 Athenaeus, Deipnosophistae, 13.12 - English]</ref>It was held every five years.<ref>{{Cite web |title=A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology, Eros |url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus:text:1999.04.0104:entry=eros-bio-1&highlight=erotidia |access-date=2025-05-23 |website=www.perseus.tufts.edu}}</ref>
[[File:Boeotian kantharos Louvre MNC670.jpg|thumb|200px|A [[kantharos]] from Thespiae (450–425&nbsp;BC) inscribed in the [[History of the Greek alphabet|Boeotian alphabet]]]]Remains of what was probably the ancient [[acropolis]] consists of an oval line of fortification, while the ground to the east and south are covered with foundations. In 1882, the remains of a communal tomb ''([[polyandrion]])'', including a colossal stone lion, were discovered on the road to [[Leuctra]]. The tomb contains both cremated remains, associated with an in-situ pyre, and seven inhumations. The tomb dates from the second half of the 5th century BC, and is usually identified as that of the Thespians who fell at the [[Battle of Delium]] in 424 BC.{{sfn|Chisholm|1911}}<ref>{{cite book |last1=Hornblower |first1=Simon |title=The Oxford Classical Dictionary |last2=Spawforth |first2=Anthony |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=1999 |place=Oxford |page=1510}}</ref> It was excavated by the Greek archaeologist [[Panagiotis Stamatakis]] in 1882.<ref>{{cite web |author=Archaeological Museum of Thebes |year=2016 |title=The scientific work |url=https://www.mthv.gr/en/the-museum/the-scientific-work/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204145318/https://www.mthv.gr/en/the-museum/the-scientific-work/ |archive-date=2022-12-04 |access-date=2022-12-04}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==

Latest revision as of 20:16, 23 June 2025

Template:Short description Script error: No such module "Distinguish". Template:Infobox ancient site Thespiae (Template:IPAc-en Script error: No such module "Respell".; Template:Langx) was an ancient Greek city (polis) in Boeotia. It sits at the foot of Mount Helicon and near right bank of the Thespius River (modern name Kanavari River).[1][2]

Thespiae was a Boeotian state sporadically involved in the military federal league known as the Boeotian League. The Boeotian League began in 520 BCE under the leadership of Thebes.[3]

During the Second Persian invasion of Greece, Thespiae's 700 hoplites remained with the Spartans in the Battle of Thermopylae, fighting the Persians and allowing the Greek forces to retreat. Centuries later Greece honored them with a monument. Thespiae was one of the few Boeotian cities to stay loyal to Greece after the battle.[4] Thespiae rivaled Thebes and survived through the Roman Empire.[4]

Thespiae was involved in mythical Greek tales depicting creatures such as the Lion of Cithaeron and a dragon that ate people whole.[5][6] Mythical figures like Heracles and Narcissus also interacted with the environment of Thespiae. [7][5]

Thespiae's religious practices included worshiping Eros and the Muses.[8][9] Artists such as Praxiteles and Lysippos honored Eros through sculptures.[8] Citizens held festivals and competitions dedicated to the Muses and Eros.[10][11]

Etymology

Its citizens are called Thespians which holds no correlation with the common noun thespian meaning "actor". The noun comes from the legendary first actor named Thespis.[12] Both Thespis and Thespiae, however, are derived from the noun Script error: No such module "Lang". (Script error: No such module "lang"., meaning 'divine inspiration').Script error: No such module "Unsubst".

Topography

According to historian Snodgrass, during Thespian periods of control over smaller cities like Siphai and their harbors, Thespiae created a "natural steppingstone" effect through a sea route it could use without going through and being subject to powerful states like Athens. Thespiae was at a geographic advantage to choose between allying with Athens and Sparta, and its close ally Platea.[13] The geography and demographic changes of Thespiae after the decrease in the hoplite class is thought to have allowed Thespiae to make a decision to oppose Thebes and leave the Boeotian League.[14]

Archeology

The probable remains of the ancient acropolis consists of an oval line of fortification, while the ground to the east and south are covered with foundations. Topographer Martin William Leake noted that the unique fortified enclosure implied that many of the other buildings stood without walls.[15]

File:Boeotian kantharos Louvre MNC670.jpg
A kantharos from Thespiae (450–425 BC) inscribed in the Boeotian alphabet [Louve Museum: MNC 670

In 1882, Greek archaeologist Panagiotis Stamatakis excavated a communal tomb (polyandrion), which was discovered on the road to Leuctra.[16] The tomb contained cremated remains, associated with an in-situ pyre, seven inhumations, and a colossal stone lion. The tomb dates back to the second half of the 5th century BCE. It is usually identified as the tomb of the Thespian soldiers who died at the Battle of Delium in 424 BCE.[17]

History

Several traditions agree that the Boeotians were a people expelled from Thessaly some time after the mythical Trojan War. The people colonized the Boeotian plain over a series of generations, of which the occupation of Thespiae formed a later stage.[18]Template:Rp Other traditions suggest that they were of Mycenean origin.

Archaic period

According to a Greek philosopher, Thespian nobility was heavily dependent on Thebes during the late seventh century.[19] Wealth in the form of land ownership was concentrated in the hands of a small number of nobles. Most nobility couldn't afford the necessary armor to become an effective force of hoplites.[20]Template:Rp Thespiae therefore decided to become a close ally of Thebes for protection.[21][20]

The Thespians destroyed Ascra at some point between 700–650 BCE and later settled Eutresis between 600–550 BCE, which signaled the end of their sole reliance on Thebes. It has been speculated that Thespiae took control over Creusis, Siphae, Thisbe and Chorisae sometime in the late sixth century.[22]Template:Rp

The Thessalians invaded Boeotia as far as Thespiae in 571 BCE, more than 200 years before the Battle of Leuctra.[23] This is argued to have given Thespiae the impetus to join the Boeotian League.[24] Historian RJ Buck argues that the Leagues purpose was to protect against Thessalian and other forces.[25] But elsewhere Plutarch gives a date for the Thessalian invasion as shortly preceding the Second Persian War.[26][27] Herodotus suggests that Thespiae had been a member of the league as long as Thebes had been.[28]

Following the Persian Wars, Thespiae provided two Boeotarchs (military generals) to the league, rather than one; perhaps one for the city and one for the districts under its control.[29]Template:Rp Snodgrass argues that the inclusion of Thisbai, Siphai, and Chorsia in the Thespiae polis provided for two of the eleven districts that provided Boeotian armed forces.[30]

Persian, Peloponnesian, and Corinthian wars

By the time of the Persian invasion of 480 BCE Thespiae's ability to field a substantial force of hoplites had changed. Thespiae and Thebes were the only Boeotian cities to send a contingent to fight at Thermopylae. Thespiae sent a force of 700 hoplites who remained to fight beside the Spartans on the final day of the battle.[31] Although Thespian hoplites are popularly depicted with dark cloaks and crescent shields, no evidence supports the historical accuracy of these items.[32]

After the battle of Thermopylae, Thebes sided with the Persians and denounced Plataea and Thespiae as the only Boeotian states to ally with the Greeks.[33] The Persian army lead by Xerxes I burned down the two cities and the remaining inhabitants furnished a force of 1,800 men for the confederate Greek army that fought at Plataea.[33][34]During the Athenian invasion of Boeotia in 424 BCE, the Thespian contingent of the Boeotian army sustained heavy losses at the Battle of Delium.[35] In the next year, the Thebans dismantled the walls of Thespiae on the charge that the Thespians were pro-Athenian. It is argued that the dismantling of the walls was perhaps a measure to prevent a democratic revolution.[36][37][38]Template:RpIn 414 BCE the Thebans aided the Thespians in suppressing a democratic revolution.[39] The Boeotian League dissolved under Kings Peace in 386 BCE.[40]

In the Corinthian War, Thespiae was initially part of the anti-Spartan alliance. At the Battle of Nemea in 394 BCE, the Thespian contingent fought the Pellenes to a standstill while the rest of the Spartan allies were defeated by the Boeotians.[41] After Nemea, Thespiae became an ally to Sparta and served as staging point for Spartan campaigns in Boeotia throughout the Corinthian War.[42][43][44] The city became autonomous as stipulated in the King's Peace of 386 BCE which resolved the Corinthian War and maintained autonomy until 373 BCE.[45] The Boeotian League also dissolved under King's Peace.[40]

Hellenistic period

In 373 BCE, Thespiae was deprived of independent status and incorporated as an appendage to Thebes.[46] Its citizens were exiled from Boeotia and they arrived in Athens seeking aid.[47] Still, the Thespians sent a contingent to fight against the Spartans at the Battle of Leuctra in 371 BCE. The Boeotarch Epameinondas allowed the Thespians to withdraw before the battle, along with other Boeotians who nursed a grudge against Thebes.[48] Not long after the battle, Thespiae was razed by Thebes and its inhabitants expelled.[49] At some point later the city was restored.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".

In 335 BCE, the Thespians joined an alliance with Alexander the Great to destroy Thebes. The famous hetaera (courtesan) Phryne was born at Thespiae in the 4th century BCE, though she seems to have lived at Athens. An anecdote by Athenaeus recounts that she offered to finance the rebuilding of the Theban walls on the condition that the words Destroyed by Alexander, Restored by Phryne the courtesan were inscribed upon them.[50]

In the Greek Anthology, it is written that on an altar in Thespiae there was a tripod dedicated to "Zeus the Thunderer" (Template:Langx). The tripod honored the Thespiae soldiers who went and fought in Asia with Alexander the Great avenge their ancestors.[51]

Thespiae also sought the friendship of the Roman Republic in war against Mithridates VI. As a reward for its support against Mithridates, Pliny referred to Thespiae as a free city within the Roman Empire. Thespiae was also mentioned by Strabo as one of two places (the other being Tanagra) that could be called a city.[52] Thespiae hosted an important group of Roman negotiatores until the refoundation of Corinth in 44 BCE.[53]

Pausanias wrote that Thespians dedicated at Olympia a statue of Pleistaenus (Script error: No such module "Lang".), son of the Eurydamus (Script error: No such module "Lang".), who was the general against the Gauls.[54]

Notable Thespians

  • Demophilus of Thespiae: Commander of the Thespian force at the Battle of Thermopylae.
  • Phryne: a hetaira. She is best known for her trial for impiety, where she was defended by the orator Hypereides.
  • Amphion (Template:Langx): An ancient writer who wrote about the Temple of the Muses on Mount Helicon.[55][56]

Mythology

The name "Thespiae" has contesting mythological origins between King Thespius, the city's founder, and Thespia, a Naiad-nymph, abducted by Apollo.[57][58] The city of Thespiae bore importance in numerous myths such as the tale of Narcissus, a Thespian youth who, after gazing upon his reflection in a pool, fell in love with himself, leading to his demise.[7]

The city of Thespiae also appeared within the myth of Hercules. The city was plagued by the Lion of Cithaeron who was destroying the flocks. King Thespius promised to reward Hercules a night with each of his fifty daughters if he could subdue the lion. When he successfully completed his mission, Hercules was granted a night with each of the fifty daughters of King Thespius.[5]

Another Thespian myth involves a dragon which plagued the city. Zeus decided a youth would be picked at random to be sacrificed to the dragon each year. But when the youth Cleostratus was picked, his lover Menestratus sacrificed himself to save him and destroyed the dragon by wearing a spiked breastplate which slayed the beast as it swallowed him.[6]

The myth surrounding Mount Helicon included the nine Muses.[59] During a musical contest, the Muses performed a song that inspired Mount Helicon to rise toward the heavens. Poseidon advised Pegasus to stop its ascent by kicking it with its hoof which created the sacred spring Hippocrene.[60]

Ancient religion

File:Venus Arles.jpg
The Venus of Arles, modeled after the Aphrodite of Thespiae by Praxiteles [Louve Museum: Ma 439 (MR 365)

According to Pausanias, the deity most worshipped at Thespiae was Eros.[8] Sculptors honored Eros in their art. Praxiteles created Eros of Thespiae out of Parian marble and later, Lysippos crafted an Eros out of bronze.[8] Praxiteles' statue attracted the attention of the Romans. It was carried off to Rome by Caligula, restored to Thespiae by Claudius, and again claimed by Roman emperor Nero.[61][62]

Another work by Praxiteles was Aphrodite of Thespiae, after which the Venus of Arles is thought to have been modeled.[63][64] Clement of Alexandria writes that at Thespiae there was a statue of the Cithaeronian Hera.[65]

Thespians also worshipped the nine Muses. At the Temple of the Muses in Helicon, boys would dance as part of honoring the deities.[66][67] Noting the appearance of the Muses at Athens, Sparta, Corinth, and other Greek states, a source concludes that the Thespians and other Boeotians spread the value of the Muses to other parts of Greece.[9]

The Muses were honored by a shrine in the Valley of the Muses and celebrated in a festival in the sacred grove on Mount Helicon.[10] During the festival, men would celebrate and compete in music and athletic games in honor of Eros. [68] Another festival celebrated by Thespians was the Erotidia (Template:Langx) meaning festivals of Eros.[69][70][11]It was held every five years.[71]

See also

Notes

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  1. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  2. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  3. ↑ Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
  4. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  5. ↑ a b c Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  6. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  7. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  8. ↑ a b c d Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  9. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  10. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  11. ↑ a b Athenaeus, Deipnosophistae, 13.12 - English
  12. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  13. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  14. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  15. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  16. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  17. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  18. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  19. ↑ Heraclides Ponticus (FHG fr. 43)
  20. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  21. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  22. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  23. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  24. ↑ Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
  25. ↑ Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
  26. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1". Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  27. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  28. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  29. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  30. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  31. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  32. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  33. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  34. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  35. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  36. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  37. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  38. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  39. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  40. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  41. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  42. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  43. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  44. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  45. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  46. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  47. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  48. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  49. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  50. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  51. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  52. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  53. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  54. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  55. ↑ Athenaeus, Deipnosophists, 14.26 (Greek)
  56. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  57. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  58. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  59. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  60. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  61. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  62. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  63. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  64. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  65. ↑ Clement of Alexandria, Exhortations, 4.1
  66. ↑ Athenaeus, Deipnosophists, 14.26 (Greek)
  67. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  68. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  69. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  70. ↑ Athenaeus, Deipnosophistae, 13.12 - Greek
  71. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".

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References

  • Buck, R.J. 1979, A History of Boeotia, University of Alberta Press, Edmonton.
  • Buckler, J. & Spawforth, A.J.S. 2009, The Oxford Classical Dictionary, S. Hornblower & A.J.S. Spawforth eds, Oxford University Press, Oxford.
  • Wikisource This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Script error: No such module "template wrapper".
  • Herodotus, Histories
  • Larsen, J.A.O. 1955, "The Boeotian confederacy and Fifth-century oligarchic theory", Transactions and Proceedings of the American Philological Association, vol. 86, pp. 40–50.
  • Pausanias, Description of Greece
  • Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  • Thucydides, The Peloponnesian War
  • Xenophon, Hellenica

External links

Template:Authority control

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