Skyros (city)
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Skyros (Greek: Σκύρος), also called Chora, is the main settlement on the island of Skyros, Greece. In classical antiquity it was a polis located in the Plains of Achilles region of the Abantis Islands.
Skyros had a fortified akropolis on top of which stood the Temple of Achilles. The city also had a port, as well as the Saccharine Orchard, a farm on the city's outskirts.[1]
History[edit | edit source]
Mythical age[edit | edit source]
According to the stories, the legendary hero Achilles was hidden in Skyros during his childhood. He had been prophesied to meet his end during the Trojan War, and in order to escape that destiny, he was disguised as one of King Lykomedes' daughters.[1]
5th century BCE[edit | edit source]
During the 5th century BCE the city became the base of the Abantis Islands' bandit group called The Dagger.[2]
During the Peloponnesian War the Spartan misthios Kassandra met the slave Agapios, and agreed to help him to demolish the bandits.[3] At the end the hunt, the Kingfisher and Agapios met at the Temple of Achilles, only to be interrupted by Kassandra and the magistrate of Chalkis City.[2]
Behind the scenes[edit | edit source]
Chora (χώρα) is a Greek word which simply means 'town'. It is often used as the name of the main town on an island, following the common practice in Greece when the name of the island itself is the same as the name of the principal town.
