Acherontia (city)
Acherontia (Ancient Greek: Ἀχεροντίς or Αχεροντία) was a small town of ancient Apulia, near the frontiers of Lucania, situated about 14 miles (23 km) south of Venusia, and 6 miles (9.7 km) southeast of Ferentum. Its position on a lofty hill is alluded to by Horace in a well-known passage.[1] The modern town of Acerenza retains the site as well as name of the ancient one. It is built on a hill of considerable elevation, precipitous on three sides, and affording only a very steep approach on the fourth. It seems to have been always but a small town, and is not mentioned by any ancient geographer; but the strength of its position gave it importance in a military point of view: and during the wars of the Goths against the generals of Justinian, it was occupied by Totila with a garrison, and became one of the chief strongholds of the Gothic leaders throughout the contest.[2] Whether the reading of Acherunto in Livy,[3] refers to the same place is disputed.[4]
References
[edit]- ^ "celsae nidum Acherontiae," Horace, Carm. 3.4. 14)
- ^ Procop. de B. G. 3.23, 26, 4.26, 33.
- ^ Livy. Ab urbe condita Libri [History of Rome]. Vol. 9.20.
- ^
Smith, William, ed. (1854–1857). "Acherontia". Dictionary of Greek and Roman Geography. London: John Murray.
This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Smith, William, ed. (1854–1857). "Acherontia". Dictionary of Greek and Roman Geography. London: John Murray.
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