Pausanias' description of Greece, Volume I.

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

68946

Title

Pausanias' description of Greece, Volume I.

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Pausanias' Description of Greece offers a vivid, antiquarian tour of the Greek world as it existed in the Roman era. This volume details the ruins of temples, the geography of cities like Athens and Sparta, and the rich tapestry of local myths, legends, and historical anecdotes preserved by the ancient traveler.

Summary up to 500 words

Written by Pausanias during the reign of the Antonines, *Description of Greece* serves as a comprehensive travelogue and repository of mythology, cataloging the surviving artworks, statues, and sacred sites of the Hellenic world. The work functions as a detailed 'county history' for various regions, including Attica, Corinth, Laconia, and Elis, preserving a wealth of information on Greek art, religion, and history that would otherwise have been lost to subsequent invasions. Pausanias blends factual observation with traditional stories, recounting the histories of legendary figures such as Hercules, Pelops, and the Dioscuri. He explains the origins of major festivals, particularly the Olympic Games, detailing their evolution from the reign of Iphitus through the various additions of events like the pentathlum and horse races. The narrative provides meticulous descriptions of architectural features, such as the Temple of Zeus at Olympia, noting its Doric construction, marble roof tiles, and the famous statue by Phidias. Pausanias also records the bas-reliefs depicting the chariot race between Pelops and Oenomaus and the Labors of Hercules. Beyond architecture, the text offers insights into local cults, such as the unique Spartan practice of calling Hera 'Goateater,' and the specific traditions surrounding hero-chapels dedicated to figures like Cynisca and Alcman. With a quiet vein of humor and a melancholic awareness of the destruction of ancient monuments, Pausanias offers readers a vivid glimpse into a civilization in transition, capturing the state of Greek cities teeming with life and refinement before they were swept away by later devastation.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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2026-08-14 01:30 UTC

Categories

• History
• Travel