Carystus facts for kids
Carystus (pronounced ka-RIS-tus) was an important ancient city in ancient Euboea, an island in Greece. It was located on the southern coast, near a mountain called Mount Oche. Today, a modern town called Karystos is nearby.
Carystus is mentioned in very old writings. The famous Greek poet Homer wrote about it in his epic poem, the Iliad. It also appears on ancient clay tablets, showing it was known a long time ago. Some stories say the city was founded by a group of people called the Dryopes. Another legend says its name came from Carystus, who was the son of a wise centaur named Cheiron.
History
Persian War
Around 490 BC, during the Greco-Persian Wars, a Persian admiral named Datis attacked Carystus. He first destroyed the farms around the city. His large army, with 80,000 soldiers and 200 warships, was too strong for Carystus. The city had to give up.
Later, after the important Battle of Salamis, the Athenian navy, led by Themistocles, made Carystus pay them money.
Soon after, Carystus did not want to join the Delian League. This was a group of Greek city-states led by Athens. The league was formed to protect Greece from future Persian attacks. Because Carystus had been under Persian control, they refused to join.
Athens would not accept their refusal. So, the Athenians attacked and took things from Carystus. This forced Carystus to join the Delian League. Athens often used this method. They believed it was better for the league if all Greek cities joined. This way, no city could help Persia or get the benefits of a free Greece without helping to pay for it.
Later History
The people of Carystus fought alongside the Athenians in the Lamian War. They also supported the Romans in their war against Philip V of Macedon.
Carystus was famous for its beautiful marble. This marble was very popular in Rome. The quarries, where the marble was dug out, were on Mount Oche. You can still see signs of these old quarries today. This marble is known as Cipollino marble. It is a green marble with white stripes.
Carystus was also a place where a mineral called asbestos was found. Because it came from Carystus, it was sometimes called the "Carystian stone."
Notable People
Carystus was home to several famous people:
- Antigonus (3rd century BC), a writer.
- Apollodorus (3rd century BC), a writer of funny plays.
- Diocles (4th century BC), a doctor.
- Glaucus (6th century BC), a boxer.
See also
- List of ancient Greek cities
