Patrae
Patrae, located in Achaea in northwestern Peloponnese, Greece, is a historically rich city that has evolved through various cultural and political influences since ancient times. Originally known as Aroe, it was believed to be founded by the mythical figure Triptolemus, who introduced agriculture to its king, Eumelus. Over the centuries, Patrae merged several settlements, becoming a significant locale during the Peloponnesian War by supporting Athens. The city later faced various occupations, including those by the Macedonians and Romans, and played a key role in the formation of the Achaean League.
Throughout its history, Patrae has endured periods of destruction and renewal, becoming a Roman colony under the name Colonia Aroe Augusta Patrensis. The city is noted for its harbor, which remained strategically important even in imperial times, and for its cultural contributions, including the works of Lucius of Patrae. Archaeological findings in the area have revealed remnants of ancient structures, such as theaters, temples, and sophisticated drainage systems, highlighting its historical significance. Patrae’s archaeological sites continue to draw interest, showcasing artifacts that reflect its rich and complex past.
Subject Terms
Patrae
Patrai (Patras)
A city in Achaea (northwestern Peloponnese), outside the narrows of the Corinthian Gulf, situated not, like the modern city, directly on the sea, but on a low hill overlooking the shore. According to mythology, the first name of the place was Aroe (from aroein, to plough), because Triptolemus taught agriculture to its King Eumelus. A second foundation was called Antheia, reputedly after Eumelus' son Antheias, and a town founded between the two settlements was known as Mesatis. After an alleged Ionian colonization from Attica, the Spartan Patreus was credited with amalgamating (synoecizing) these and four other settlements into a single city at some unknown but early date.
Patrae supported Athens in the Peloponnesian War (building long walls in 419 on the recommendation of Alcibiades), and after the death of Alexander the Great was first occupied by Aristodemus, a general of Antigonus I Monophthalmos (314), and then belonged to Demetrius I Poliorcetes (307–303). Together with Dyme (Kato Akhaia), it took the lead in expelling the Macedonians and forming an Achaean League (280), but suffered severe losses from invading Gauls in the following year, and again from the Aetolians during the First Macedonian War (215–205). Rome's abolition of the League (146) brought even more widespread destruction. Nevertheless, Patrae still remained a convenient harbor town. It was there that Antony spent the winter of 32/31, while its mint depicted Cleopatra wearing the headdress of Isis, before their defeat by Octavian (the future Augustus) in the battle of Actium.
Augustus planted a group of ex-soldiers in the town c 14 BC, granting it the rank of a Roman colony under the name of Colonia Aroe Augusta Patrensis. Neighboring Achaean towns were included in its territory, and a famous statue of Artemis Laphria was transferred from Aetolia; later the image appeared on local coinage, and her worship was commemorated by festivals. The half-centenary of the colony was celebrated by a semi-medallic issue, for which special permission was obtained `by the indulgence of’ Gaius (Caligula AD 37–41); and Nero (54–68), who landed at the harbor of Patrae for his Greek tour, endowed the city with the name of Neronia. Hadrian (117–38) and Antoninus Pius (138–61) added further honors, and the harbor was improved in imperial times. The Metamorphoses of Apuleius, written in the second century AD, are based on a lost novel of which a certain Lucius of Patrae was either the author or the narrator. Diocletian (284–305) was a benefactor. Bishops are attested from 347.
Pausanias gives details of the topography of ancient Patrae, but little of what he records now remains, though an Odeon (small theater), agora and temples of Zeus and Demeter (on the sea) can be tentatively located, and remains of streets, baths and workshops have been traced; an important Roman public building has also come to light. In 1973/4 alone nearly eighty investigations were conducted in the ancient town and its cemeteries, revealing an extensive array of houses (some with lead water mains and terracotta piped drainage), winepresses and funeral monuments, and an early Christian basilica. More recently a rich young girl's tomb of the later second century BC, containing gold and silver jewelry, has been discovered, and the wheel-rutted remains of a Roman bridge. A coin of Domitian (AD 81–96) illustrates a fountain (surmounted by a statue of Hercules) with water cascading from lion's head spouts down through a series of catchment basins. Another issue, of the reign of Commodus (180–92), depicts the harbor from the sea, with temples behind; and a coinage of Geta (198–212) offers a view across the harbor from the jetty.