Echoes of Antiquity: Hamaxitus Revealed
An exploration of an ancient Greek city in the Troad region of Anatolia, known for its historical significance and connection to divine myths.
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The Name: Hamaxitus
Etymological Roots
The name "Hamaxitus" (Ancient Greek: Hamaxitos) is derived from the Greek word hamaxa, meaning 'wagon'. This suggests the city's name signified 'traversed by wagons', 'carriage-road', or 'high-road'. Archaeological evidence of an ancient road leading from the city's bay supports this etymology.
Geographical Significance
Located in the southwestern Troad region of Anatolia, Hamaxitus served as a boundary marker between the Troad and Aeolis. Its territory encompassed the significant sanctuary of Apollo Smintheus, the salt pans of Tragasai, and the Satnioeis river.
Linguistic Nuances
Early Athenian records from 425/4 BC list the city as hamachsitios, reflecting Attic Greek influence. This differs from the Aeolic dialect prevalent in the region, which typically lacked the 'h' sound and used different phonetic representations. Coinage from the 4th century BC consistently uses the legend AMAXI, aligning with the Aeolic pronunciation.
Apollo Smintheus: Divine Patronage
Mythological Connections
Foundation myths of Hamaxitus are intrinsically linked to the cult of Apollo Smintheus. Homer's *Iliad* mentions Chryses, a priest of Apollo, invoking the deity as "Smintheus" when seeking retribution against the Greeks. This epithet, possibly of Luwian origin, led to various ancient interpretations, most notably associating Apollo with the protection against mice, which were seen as pests capable of spreading disease.
The Mouse Cult
A prominent tradition, recounted by the 7th-century BC poet Callinus, suggests Hamaxitus was founded by Cretan colonists who were guided by an oracle to settle where 'earth-born' creatures attacked their equipment. They interpreted a plague of mice as fulfilling this prophecy, thus linking the city's founding to Apollo's role as a protector against vermin. This mythologized the epithet "Sminthos" as 'mouse'.
Sanctuary and Influence
The sanctuary of Apollo Smintheus, whose extensive Hellenistic temple remains are visible near modern Gülpınar, was a significant religious center. The city's strategic location and its association with this revered deity facilitated its growth, attracting pilgrims and fostering trade. The cult's influence extended to islands like Rhodes, where a month and festival were named in its honor.
Historical Trajectory
Archaic and Classical Periods
Likely settled by Mytilenaeans in the 8th or 7th century BC, Hamaxitus became part of the Athenian sphere after the Mytilenean revolt in 427 BC. It was assessed at a substantial 4 talents in Athenian tribute lists, indicating considerable wealth, partly derived from the productive salt pans at Tragasai. The city experienced periods of Persian and Spartan influence before minting its own coinage, featuring Apollo, in the 4th century BC.
Hellenistic and Roman Eras
Around 310 BC, Hamaxitus was potentially synoecized into the new city of Antigoneia Troas. Later research suggests this integration occurred later, possibly between 188 and 171 BC. The city continued to promote its connection to Apollo Smintheus, issuing new coinage and benefiting from the increased traffic of pilgrims. Its port remained active, facilitating Aegean trade, and the city successfully lobbied for tax exemptions on its salt pans.
Enduring Legacy
While the settlement of Hamaxitus itself may have declined, the importance of its port and the sanctuary of Apollo Smintheus persisted. The Smintheum was noted in Roman and early medieval itineraries, such as the *Tabula Peutingeriana* and the *Ravenna Cosmography*, indicating its continued recognition as a significant landmark, likely serving pilgrims for centuries.
Artifacts and Imagery
Coinage of Hamaxitus
Coins minted by Hamaxitus in the 4th century BC provide tangible evidence of its identity and affiliations. The obverse typically features the laureate head of Apollo, reinforcing the city's connection to its divine patron. The reverse commonly displays a lyre, another symbol of Apollo, accompanied by the city's name, AMAXI, in Greek script.
Archaeological Site
The physical remains of Hamaxitus are located at Beşiktepe, near the modern village of Gülpınar. While excavation has been limited, the site includes remnants of the ancient city. Most notably, the extensive ruins of the Hellenistic temple dedicated to Apollo Smintheus are situated on the outskirts of Gülpınar, offering a glimpse into the city's religious heart.
Regional Context
The location map illustrates Hamaxitus' position within Turkey, specifically in the Çanakkale Province, within the historical region of Troad. This geographical context is crucial for understanding its role in ancient trade routes and its interactions with neighboring cities and regions.
Scholarly Sources
Primary and Secondary Works
The understanding of Hamaxitus is built upon a foundation of classical texts and modern archaeological and historical scholarship. Key sources include ancient writers like Pliny the Elder and Strabo, alongside the works of scholars who have analyzed inscriptions, coinage, and excavation findings.
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References
References
- Pliny the Elder, Naturalis Historia 5.124.
- LSJ s.v. á¼Î¼Î±Î¾Î¹ÏÏÏ.
- Homer, Iliad 1.39.
- Chantraine (1980) s.v. ÏμίνθοÏ.
- Strabo, Geography, 13.1.64; Hekster (2002) 367-8.
- Aeschylus fr. 277 (ed. Sommerstein); cf. likewise Callimachus, Aetia fr. 117.16.
- IG I3 71.III.129, IG I3 77.IV.18.
- Cook (1973) 222-4, Cook (1988) 13, Ricl (1997) 198-200, T 59-64, Bresson (2007) 142-4. The name of the Tuzla Ãay, which passes through these salt pans, means 'salty river' in Turkish.
- Xenophon, Hellenica 3.1.13, 16, Diodorus Siculus 14.38.3.
- Amphorae: Cook (1973) 231. Tax exemption: I.Alexandreia Troas 3 (ed. Ricl); see now Bresson (2007) 147-50.
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