Anagyrous


Anagyrus or Anagyrous, also Anagyruntus or Anagyrountos, was a deme of ancient Athens, belonging to the phyle Erechtheis, situated in the south of Attica near the promontory Zoster. Pausanias mentions at this place a temple of the mother of the gods.
The ruins of Anagyrus have been found near Vari.
The ancient name was maintained until 600 AD, as mentioned by geographer and historian Stephanus of Byzantium.
Anagyrous is an important archaeological site that still remains unexplored, with traces of human habitation dating back to 3rd millennium BCE, that include:
Eumenes of Anagyrus and the Anagyrus Painter were from the town.

Etymology

According to one version, the name derives from the mythical Anagyrous, whose temple was located in the region. Anagyrous made the homes near his sacred grove tremble and collapse. He once exterminated an entire family who had cut trees from his sacred grove—hence the ancient proverb, "Anagryasion Daimon". Offerings and sacrifices were brought to Anagryous as attempts to appease his anger.
Another version derives from the plant Anagyris, referred to as emetic and as a laxative by Dioscorides, and as an exorcism of ill fate by the Byzantine Suidas dictionary. The plant grows abundantly in the valley, exuding a terrible stench when touched or shaken. Aristophanes cites the following humorist dialogue:
«Πόθεν εισίν; Αναγυρουντόθεν. Νη τον Δία, ο γουν Ανάγυρος μη κεκινήσθαι δοκεί.»
According to Aelian, the countryside near Anagyrous was where Aristion and Periktyoni used to lull baby Plato.
«... εν ταις πλησίον μυρρίναις, δασείες ούσες και πυκνές, καθεύδοντι δε εσμός μελισσών εν τοις χείλεσι αυτού καθίσασαι, υπήδον την του Πλάτωνος ευγλωττία μαντευόμεναι.»
.
"... nearby the myrtle plants, dense and leafy as they were, and while he was sleeping, a swarm of bees sat peacefully on his lips, thus surmising the eloquence of Plato."