Colonus (Attica)

Colonus, also known as Kolonos, was an important area in ancient Attica. It was located about ten stadia from the Dipylum gate of the city, close to Plato's Academy and the river Cephissus. The place got its name from two small hills that stood out in the plain north of the academy. Sophocles, the famous poet, was born here, and one of his plays, Oedipus at Colonus, takes place in this area.

Colonus was a special place for worship. It was cared for by the god Poseidon and had many sacred spots. There were temples and altars for several gods and heroes, including Poseidon, Athena Hippia, Demeter, Zeus, Prometheus, Peirithous, Theseus, Oedipus, and Adrastus. According to Greek myths, Oedipus was buried here.

In 411 BCE, during a political change in Athens, leaders met at the sanctuary of Poseidon Hippios at Colonus to create a new set of rules for the city. Today, the location of ancient Colonus is near a place called Agia Eleousa in the modern neighborhood of Kolonos, which is named after the ancient site.

In literature

At the start of Oedipus at Colonus by Sophocles, a character tells the blind outcast Oedipus that the area is special to the sea-god Poseidon and to Prometheus, who gave fire to people. It is also important to a former leader named Colonus, after whom the place is named. Later, Oedipus asks the spirits of justice for protection there.

There is a modern version of this play called The Gospel at Colonus by Lee Breuer, which uses gospel music.