Menelaion

Whitley, James 2021. Menelaion. Whitmarsh, Tim, ed. Oxford Classical Dictionary, Oxford: Oxford University Press, (10.1093/acrefore/9780199381135.013.4103)

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Abstract

The Laconian shrine of Helen and Menelaus at ancient Therapne from c.700bce occupied a commanding position facing Mt. Taygetus on a spur high above the Eurotas, 2.5 kilometres (1.5 miles) south-east of the Spartan Acropolis. Epigraphy confirms that the principal figure venerated in the earliest phase was Helen (Hdt. 6.61.3), though both Menelaus and the Dioscuri (Pind. Nem. 10.56) are attested.1 Only later writers (Polyb. 5.18.3; 5.18.10; 5.21.1; Livy 34.28.7) refer to the Menelaion. Whether Helen and Menelaus were worshipped here ‘as gods’ (Isoc. 10.63) or at their place of burial as heroes (Paus. 3.19.9) is disputed; if as heroes, this would be the earliest attested example of a cult to named heroes from the Epic (Trojan War) cycle. Archaeological investigation began with Ludwig Ross in 1833. Greek and British archaeologists,2 most recently H. W. and R. Catling,3 have uncovered a rich series of principally Archaic votive deposits (local Laconian painted pottery, bronzes, and lead and terracotta figurines).

Item Type:	Book Section
Date Type:	Published Online
Status:	Published
Schools:	History, Archaeology and Religion
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
ISBN:	9780199381135
Last Modified:	02 Jul 2021 15:00
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/142211

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