A city in the domain of Achilles.
During the Trojan War, Achilles commanded the Achaian soldiers from Pelasgian Argos including the cities of Alope, Trachis, Alos, and the territories of Hellas and Phthia.
King Peleus, Achilles' father, ruled Alope as well as other cities. The soldiers Achilles mustered for the siege on Troy were called Myrmidons ... supposedly the most organized and fierce warriors on the battlefield. The number of Myrmidons from Alope at Troy is not known.
Prior to the Trojan War, Alope was distinguished as the home of Erytus and Echion, sons of the god Hermes. Erytus and Echion joined the crew of the Argo to accompany Ieson (Jason) in his Quest for the Golden Fleece.
Alope's proximity to the northern tip of the island of Euboia made it desirable as a military stronghold. The natives of the area tried to defend Alope but proved no contest for the superior Athenian army on several occasions.
Latitude North, Longitude East
38.75, 22.75
| References: Homer, Iliad book 2, line 682 Apollonius of Rhodes, Argonautica book 1, line 51 Diodorus of Sicily, Library of History book 12.44 |