Colonus (Attica)

Colonus, also called Kolonos, was an important place in ancient Attica. It was about ten stadia from the Dipylum gate of the city, near Plato's Academy and the river Cephissus. The area was named after two small hills in the plain north of the academy.

Sophocles, a famous poet, was born here. One of his plays, Oedipus at Colonus, is set 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 many gods and heroes, including Poseidon, Athena Hippia, Demeter, Zeus, Prometheus, Peirithous, Theseus, Oedipus, and Adrastus. Greek myths say that Oedipus was buried here.

In 411 BCE, leaders met at the sanctuary of Poseidon Hippios at Colonus to make new rules for the city. Today, ancient Colonus is near a place called Agia Eleousa in the modern neighborhood of Kolonos.

In literature

In the play 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. The place is also named after a former leader called Colonus. 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. It uses gospel music.