What do you think?
Rate this book
Loeb Pausanius
Description of Greece, Vol. I: Books 1-2
Pausanias, born probably in Lydia in Asia Minor, was a Greek of the 2nd century CE, about 120180, who travelled widely not only in Asia Minor, Palestine, Egypt and North Africa, but also in Greece and in Italy, including Rome. He left a description of Greece in ten books, which is like a topographical guidebook or tour of Attica, the Peloponnese, and central Greece, filled out with historical accounts and events and digressions on facts and wonders of nature. His chief interest was the monuments of art and architecture, especially the most famous of them; the accuracy of his descriptions of these is proved by surviving remains.
The Loeb Classical Library edition of Pausanias is in five volumes; the fifth volume contains maps, plans, illustrations, and a general index.
457 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 180
7 people are currently reading
205 people want to read
About the author
Pausanias
456 books31 followersborn circa 110
died circa 180
Pausanias, geographer and historian, wrote Description of Greece , a valuable source on the ancient topography.
This traveler of the 2nd century lived in the times of Hadrian, Antoninus Pius, and Marcus Aurelius. From firsthand observations, his famous lengthy work crucially links classical literature and modern archaeology.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pausani...
died circa 180
Pausanias, geographer and historian, wrote Description of Greece , a valuable source on the ancient topography.
This traveler of the 2nd century lived in the times of Hadrian, Antoninus Pius, and Marcus Aurelius. From firsthand observations, his famous lengthy work crucially links classical literature and modern archaeology.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pausani...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 26, 2014
This is another one of the continuing series on the classical books which everyone cites, but no one reads. Pausanias' Description of Greece is, in essence, a literary travel book covering central and southern Greece in the late second century AD. It moves around from city to city looking for notable sights which range from temples/sanctuaries (many, many temples/sanctuaries) to extended descriptions of art work to short historical excurses. The Description of Greece is eclectic, detailed and kind of fun in a extremely geeky kind of way. The fact that I'm just over a week away from going on a tour of Greece with my students just adds to the fun.
I was particularly struck by the historical detail in this book. In fact, this is the first source I've read that gives a detailed discussion of the Spartan-Messenian Wars from the 7th century BC and the Gallic invasion of 279 BC. Pausanias' freely quotes from historians long lost to us and acts as important historical source in his own right.
However, the primary focus of the book are the temples/sanctuaries of Greece and the artwork associated with them. So, historians of religion and of art find this book extremely helpful. The attention given to identifying pieces by particular artists and the sometimes very lengthy descriptions of art work gives us some context for the artwork that we know about now. Mythology plays a major role in this work, although I began to get a feeling that almost every city, region, body of water and land features was named for some hero or god or the other.
Pausanias really isn't read enough, although I should note that a strong stomach for eclectic detail is called for when reading this. Don't get bogged down with detail. Just let it wash over and look for the interesting bits.
I was particularly struck by the historical detail in this book. In fact, this is the first source I've read that gives a detailed discussion of the Spartan-Messenian Wars from the 7th century BC and the Gallic invasion of 279 BC. Pausanias' freely quotes from historians long lost to us and acts as important historical source in his own right.
However, the primary focus of the book are the temples/sanctuaries of Greece and the artwork associated with them. So, historians of religion and of art find this book extremely helpful. The attention given to identifying pieces by particular artists and the sometimes very lengthy descriptions of art work gives us some context for the artwork that we know about now. Mythology plays a major role in this work, although I began to get a feeling that almost every city, region, body of water and land features was named for some hero or god or the other.
Pausanias really isn't read enough, although I should note that a strong stomach for eclectic detail is called for when reading this. Don't get bogged down with detail. Just let it wash over and look for the interesting bits.
December 28, 2024
"The oracle at Delphi is the most famous of all the oracles in Greece, and the Pythian priestess is the most renowned of all the prophets."
"Corinth is no longer inhabited by any of the old Corinthians, but by colonists sent out by the Romans. This change is due to the Achaean League."
This is an invaluable primary source for anyone studying ancient Greek history, culture, or religion. This work, originally written in the 2nd century CE, offers a fascinating window into the Greek world, documenting the geography, monuments, and religious practices of regions such as Attica and Corinthia. Pausanias’ detailed descriptions provide not only an informative travelogue but also a glimpse into the social and political atmosphere of his time.
I rated this book 4 stars because it is an essential read for those interested in the classics! Pausanias' observations are filled with rich details about temples, statues, and various local rituals. His meticulous attention to the religious sites, in particular, brings ancient Greek worship to life. For instance, his discussion of the Oracle of Delphi and the sacred sites in Corinth offers invaluable insights into Greek religious life. He also provides descriptions of art and architecture, many of which no longer exist, making his accounts a key resource for reconstructing the past.
Although the work is undeniably important, it can sometimes feel dense and requires patience. Pausanias frequently digresses into long lists of cities, temples, and festivals, which can be overwhelming at times. However, the wealth of information makes it clear why this work has remained integral to the study of ancient Greece and is cited by many fellow classics students!
Ultimately, Description of Greece is a must-read for anyone with an interest in Greek antiquity. Pausanias' unique perspective as a traveler and historian makes this volume a cornerstone for the classics, offering details that are crucial for understanding the cultural and religious landscape of ancient Greece. I am glad I read it and would highly recommend it to fellow students of classical studies and history!
"Corinth is no longer inhabited by any of the old Corinthians, but by colonists sent out by the Romans. This change is due to the Achaean League."
This is an invaluable primary source for anyone studying ancient Greek history, culture, or religion. This work, originally written in the 2nd century CE, offers a fascinating window into the Greek world, documenting the geography, monuments, and religious practices of regions such as Attica and Corinthia. Pausanias’ detailed descriptions provide not only an informative travelogue but also a glimpse into the social and political atmosphere of his time.
I rated this book 4 stars because it is an essential read for those interested in the classics! Pausanias' observations are filled with rich details about temples, statues, and various local rituals. His meticulous attention to the religious sites, in particular, brings ancient Greek worship to life. For instance, his discussion of the Oracle of Delphi and the sacred sites in Corinth offers invaluable insights into Greek religious life. He also provides descriptions of art and architecture, many of which no longer exist, making his accounts a key resource for reconstructing the past.
Although the work is undeniably important, it can sometimes feel dense and requires patience. Pausanias frequently digresses into long lists of cities, temples, and festivals, which can be overwhelming at times. However, the wealth of information makes it clear why this work has remained integral to the study of ancient Greece and is cited by many fellow classics students!
Ultimately, Description of Greece is a must-read for anyone with an interest in Greek antiquity. Pausanias' unique perspective as a traveler and historian makes this volume a cornerstone for the classics, offering details that are crucial for understanding the cultural and religious landscape of ancient Greece. I am glad I read it and would highly recommend it to fellow students of classical studies and history!
May 1, 2025
I read this or a class. It was basically a list of everything you would have seen in Athens if you were traveling there at the time Pausanias wrote this. However, he often wandered off from the listing to delve into stories about various historical figures or mythological figures, making it a bit hard to follow the thread. It wasn't particularly enjoyable reading, but I was left with the feeling that at the time Pausanias wrote, you could barely take a step in Athens without stumbling into a temple or statue or painting. I was also left feeling sad about all of the art that had been lost.
March 5, 2021
https://chs.harvard.edu/description-o...
http://web.archive.org/web/2020080606...
I've seen Pausanias described as a traveler and geographer, and his Description of Greece as a travelogue; like an antique guide-book for fans of Homer. As much as that isn't wrong, it doesn't even begin to cover the extent of his writings. He's more like a Herodotus focused on Greece, and he quotes Herodotus (and Homer and Hesiod) quite extensively.
Yes, the base of his writing is him sightseeing around Greece, describing and explaining what he encounters, and what the locals tells him about their history. But it's also a history of the Olympiads (and the other games); a walk-through of local mythology and folklore; extensive quotes of oracles and their interpretations as well as other historians, poets and their epics; a history of the Muses; references to already lost other writings; and a more or less complete list of statues, temples and other important landmarks. There's not a lot of focus on wars and conflicts, but he does go into depth as it comes to the wars between Messenians and Lacedaemonians as well as the invasion of the Gauls (Celts), and he points out which other authors have already covered the larger conflicts before him.
History wise, Pausanias covers Greece from the time of the first settlers and kings, often born of or becoming Gods, through the times of The Iliad and Odyssey, down to what was modern times for himself. That certainly makes it a huge mix of myth and history, sometimes impossible to break apart, but, fear not, this writer understands that the legends of Greece generally have different forms, and this is particularly true of genealogy. [...] Ancient legends, deprived of the help of poetry, have given rise to many fictions, especially concerning the pedigrees of heroes. He's not shy to point out when he disagrees with the locals either: Now even the guides of the Argives themselves are aware that their account is not entirely correct. Nevertheless they hold to their opinion, for it is not easy to make the multitude change their views.
He's certainly not averse to humor, but it's subtle and rarely in your face:
Sometimes when a myth has more than one history behind it, there are digressions to point them out:
And there's the odd examples of etymology interspersed in the text as well:
As well as some words from the wise...
I came to Pausinias dreading the boredom of a simple travelogue and came out of it having found another Herodotus, and I am more than pleased.
My clippings: https://www.evernote.com/shard/s2/sh/...
http://web.archive.org/web/2020080606...
I've seen Pausanias described as a traveler and geographer, and his Description of Greece as a travelogue; like an antique guide-book for fans of Homer. As much as that isn't wrong, it doesn't even begin to cover the extent of his writings. He's more like a Herodotus focused on Greece, and he quotes Herodotus (and Homer and Hesiod) quite extensively.
Yes, the base of his writing is him sightseeing around Greece, describing and explaining what he encounters, and what the locals tells him about their history. But it's also a history of the Olympiads (and the other games); a walk-through of local mythology and folklore; extensive quotes of oracles and their interpretations as well as other historians, poets and their epics; a history of the Muses; references to already lost other writings; and a more or less complete list of statues, temples and other important landmarks. There's not a lot of focus on wars and conflicts, but he does go into depth as it comes to the wars between Messenians and Lacedaemonians as well as the invasion of the Gauls (Celts), and he points out which other authors have already covered the larger conflicts before him.
History wise, Pausanias covers Greece from the time of the first settlers and kings, often born of or becoming Gods, through the times of The Iliad and Odyssey, down to what was modern times for himself. That certainly makes it a huge mix of myth and history, sometimes impossible to break apart, but, fear not, this writer understands that the legends of Greece generally have different forms, and this is particularly true of genealogy. [...] Ancient legends, deprived of the help of poetry, have given rise to many fictions, especially concerning the pedigrees of heroes. He's not shy to point out when he disagrees with the locals either: Now even the guides of the Argives themselves are aware that their account is not entirely correct. Nevertheless they hold to their opinion, for it is not easy to make the multitude change their views.
He's certainly not averse to humor, but it's subtle and rarely in your face:
I heard too another tale about the water, how it is a useful remedy for both men and women when in love; if they wash in the river they forget their passion. If there is any truth in the story the water of the Selemnus is of more value to mankind than great wealth.
Sometimes when a myth has more than one history behind it, there are digressions to point them out:
There is another story about Narcissus, less popular indeed than the other, but not without some support. It is said that Narcissus had a twin sister; they were exactly alike in appearance, their hair was the same, they wore similar clothes, and went hunting together. The story goes on that Narcissus fell in love with his sister, and when the girl died, would go to the spring, knowing that it was his reflection that he saw, but in spite of this knowledge finding some relief for his love in imagining that he saw, not his own reflection, but the likeness of his sister.
And there's the odd examples of etymology interspersed in the text as well:
Except for one plant, [Sardinia] is free from poisons. This deadly herb is like celery, and they say that those who eat it die laughing. That is why Homer, and men after him, call unwholesome laughter sardonic. The herb grows mostly around springs, but does not impart any of its poison to the water. [...]
I know many wonderful tombs, and will mention two of them, the one at Halicarnassus and one in the land of the Hebrews. The one at Halicarnassus was made for Mausolus, king of the city, and it is of such vast size, and so notable for all its ornament, that the Romans in their great admiration of it call remarkable tombs in their country Mausolea.
As well as some words from the wise...
I think it is well said, the saying that no man who has unsparingly thrown himself into political-life trusting in the loyalty of the democracy has ever met with a beautiful death. [...]
The truth is that one man may receive fewer ills than his contemporaries, just as one ship may be less tossed by storms than another ship. But we shall not be able to find a man never touched by misfortune or a ship never met by an unfavorable breeze.
I came to Pausinias dreading the boredom of a simple travelogue and came out of it having found another Herodotus, and I am more than pleased.
My clippings: https://www.evernote.com/shard/s2/sh/...
April 5, 2017
If you are going to see Greece, bring along Pausanias' guide that he wrote in the 2nd century C.E. It still works.
October 26, 2014
I read these while traveling in Greece. It was great fun to wander through the ruins with the description right with me.
February 28, 2021
The layout of towns is clear, as is the addition of local color. It's such fun!
November 3, 2024
Muito bom ter lido esse livro parte antes de visitar Atenas e parte depois. É um relato de viagem incrivelmente vívido e detalhado, como se Pausânias captasse a cidade em movimento. Interessa ao autor não só os aspectos arquitetônicos, mas os gestos, os trejeitos e as crenças que abundam pela cidade. Lendo-o tive a oportunidade de reviver os lugares que passei caminhando por aquelas ruas: o areópago, a acrópole, o teatro de dioniso, o olimpeu, a academia, o liceu, o illissos. A vegetação ondulante e o clima foram sentidos em cada página desse texto. O relato torna-se ainda mais vívido quando temos em consideração que Pausânias escreveu no séc. II e, portanto, viu muito mais do que nos é permitido atualmente. A impressão que nos dá é de uma cidade que respira a produção artística em diferentes aspectos. Em cada esquina se antevê um adorno, desde fontes naturais que jorram de dentro de templos às estátuas de heróis, passando por colunas repletas de frisos imponentes — o aspecto de novidade é eterno.
Separei alguns trechos importantes e que desejo guardar dessa paisagem de oliveiras, romãzeiras, cigarras e mármore:
Sobre a subida da acrópole e o Pártenon:
“O acesso à Acrópole faz-se por uma única entrada, não há outra possibilidade, porque toda ela é escarpada e cercada de muralhas robustas. O teto dos Propileus é em mármore branco, e pela perfeição e tamanho dos blocos de mármore até os dias de hoje não tem rival. (…) Quando se entra no templo designado por Pártenon, tudo o que está representado no chamado frontão diz respeito ao nascimento de Atena, e, no lado oposto, à disputa entre Posídon e a deusa pela posse daquela terra. A estátua da deusa é feita de ouro e marfim; ao centro do elmo está uma imagem da Esfinge”.
Em que se comenta o Teatro de Dioniso e o valor dado ao estatuário crisoelefantino:
“O templo de Dioniso a caminho do teatro é o mais antigo de todos. Há, no mesmo recinto, dois templos e duas estátuas de Dioniso, uma do Eleutereu e outra, obra de Alcâmenes, em marfm e ouro. As pinturas nesse lugar representam Dioniso a levar Hefesto para o céu”.
Sobre o Liceu e o Illissos, o rio que é referência para a cena bucólica do Fedro (242a). O Illissos era lugar de vários cultos antigos: o de Bóreas (o vento norte) e das Ninfas, como refere Pausânias, mas também era dedicado ao rio Aqueloo e ao deus Pã.
“O Liceu recebeu o nome de Lico, flho de Pandíon; desde o princípio e ainda agora é consagrado a Apolo, um deus que aqui tomou a designação de Liceu (…) Pretendem os Atenienses que o Ilisso é consagrado a diversas divindades; junto ao seu curso existe um altar das Musas Ilissiadas”.
A passagem (bem fantástica) que descreve um lugar atormentado por fantasmas:
“Lá, todas as noites, é possível ouvir os relinchos dos cavalos e o ruído dos combatentes. Nunca trouxe nenhum benefício a quem quer que seja ir lá de propósito para ter esta visão, mas se for lá parar involuntariamente ou por qualquer outra razão, não incorre na ira dos espíritos”.
Finalmente, o trecho que comenta a Academia e retoma o relato de Diógenes Laércio sobre o ingresso de Platão como discípulo de Sócrates:
“Dentro da Academia existe um altar de Prometeu, que é o ponto de partida de uma corrida para a cidade com tochas acesas. Na competição, no entanto, é preciso manter a tocha acesa durante a corrida, caso contrário a vitória é retirada ao que chega em primeiro lugar e transferida para o segundo; ou, se este não a conseguiu manter acesa, será o terceiro o vencedor; se, em todos os casos, ela se apagar, não se atribui a vitória a ninguém. Há também um altar das Musas, um outro de Hermes e, lá mais para dentro da Academia, um de Atena; fez-se ainda um outro de Héracles. Lá está uma oliveira, que se diz ter sido a segunda a aparecer. Não longe da Academia há um memorial de Platão, a quem a divindade predestinou para ser o melhor na Filosofia. E foi assim que lho anunciou Sócrates, na noite que precedeu a inclusão de Platão entre os seus discípulos, viu em sonhos um cisne que lhe pousava no colo”.
Separei alguns trechos importantes e que desejo guardar dessa paisagem de oliveiras, romãzeiras, cigarras e mármore:
Sobre a subida da acrópole e o Pártenon:
“O acesso à Acrópole faz-se por uma única entrada, não há outra possibilidade, porque toda ela é escarpada e cercada de muralhas robustas. O teto dos Propileus é em mármore branco, e pela perfeição e tamanho dos blocos de mármore até os dias de hoje não tem rival. (…) Quando se entra no templo designado por Pártenon, tudo o que está representado no chamado frontão diz respeito ao nascimento de Atena, e, no lado oposto, à disputa entre Posídon e a deusa pela posse daquela terra. A estátua da deusa é feita de ouro e marfim; ao centro do elmo está uma imagem da Esfinge”.
Em que se comenta o Teatro de Dioniso e o valor dado ao estatuário crisoelefantino:
“O templo de Dioniso a caminho do teatro é o mais antigo de todos. Há, no mesmo recinto, dois templos e duas estátuas de Dioniso, uma do Eleutereu e outra, obra de Alcâmenes, em marfm e ouro. As pinturas nesse lugar representam Dioniso a levar Hefesto para o céu”.
Sobre o Liceu e o Illissos, o rio que é referência para a cena bucólica do Fedro (242a). O Illissos era lugar de vários cultos antigos: o de Bóreas (o vento norte) e das Ninfas, como refere Pausânias, mas também era dedicado ao rio Aqueloo e ao deus Pã.
“O Liceu recebeu o nome de Lico, flho de Pandíon; desde o princípio e ainda agora é consagrado a Apolo, um deus que aqui tomou a designação de Liceu (…) Pretendem os Atenienses que o Ilisso é consagrado a diversas divindades; junto ao seu curso existe um altar das Musas Ilissiadas”.
A passagem (bem fantástica) que descreve um lugar atormentado por fantasmas:
“Lá, todas as noites, é possível ouvir os relinchos dos cavalos e o ruído dos combatentes. Nunca trouxe nenhum benefício a quem quer que seja ir lá de propósito para ter esta visão, mas se for lá parar involuntariamente ou por qualquer outra razão, não incorre na ira dos espíritos”.
Finalmente, o trecho que comenta a Academia e retoma o relato de Diógenes Laércio sobre o ingresso de Platão como discípulo de Sócrates:
“Dentro da Academia existe um altar de Prometeu, que é o ponto de partida de uma corrida para a cidade com tochas acesas. Na competição, no entanto, é preciso manter a tocha acesa durante a corrida, caso contrário a vitória é retirada ao que chega em primeiro lugar e transferida para o segundo; ou, se este não a conseguiu manter acesa, será o terceiro o vencedor; se, em todos os casos, ela se apagar, não se atribui a vitória a ninguém. Há também um altar das Musas, um outro de Hermes e, lá mais para dentro da Academia, um de Atena; fez-se ainda um outro de Héracles. Lá está uma oliveira, que se diz ter sido a segunda a aparecer. Não longe da Academia há um memorial de Platão, a quem a divindade predestinou para ser o melhor na Filosofia. E foi assim que lho anunciou Sócrates, na noite que precedeu a inclusão de Platão entre os seus discípulos, viu em sonhos um cisne que lhe pousava no colo”.
August 31, 2017
Pausanias is indispensable.
He guides his reader through geography, history, art, architecture, legends - and does so in a way that will leave you wanting more, despite the already substantial volume of his work.
It's that good.
Chaotic, occasionally forgetful, sometimes coy, opinionated - he will nevertheless become your dear friend, despite never mentioning anything about his own life. You still get to know him as an individual - what he loves, what he despises, his patriotism and inquisitiveness, his rationality and his passion for the mysterious and numinous. He is, in a way, the perfect person to introduce the modern reader to his beloved Hellas.
It's that good.
Pausanias is very useful for practical reasons - so, so much to be thankful for! - but he is also as engaging as could be expected of such a well-educated and passionate author.
He is long-winded, chaotic, and needs tons of commentary to understand - but getting to know him, and, through him a little bit about Hellas, is worth every bit of work you will have to do.
It's THAT good.
He guides his reader through geography, history, art, architecture, legends - and does so in a way that will leave you wanting more, despite the already substantial volume of his work.
It's that good.
Chaotic, occasionally forgetful, sometimes coy, opinionated - he will nevertheless become your dear friend, despite never mentioning anything about his own life. You still get to know him as an individual - what he loves, what he despises, his patriotism and inquisitiveness, his rationality and his passion for the mysterious and numinous. He is, in a way, the perfect person to introduce the modern reader to his beloved Hellas.
It's that good.
Pausanias is very useful for practical reasons - so, so much to be thankful for! - but he is also as engaging as could be expected of such a well-educated and passionate author.
He is long-winded, chaotic, and needs tons of commentary to understand - but getting to know him, and, through him a little bit about Hellas, is worth every bit of work you will have to do.
It's THAT good.
August 30, 2025
Un libro interesante por su valor histórico y cultural, ya que Pausanias describe templos, santuarios y ciudades de la Grecia antigua con gran detalle, mezclando historia y mito. La lectura puede resultar algo densa y repetitiva en algunos pasajes, pues no deja de ser un texto clásico. Resulta especialmente atractivo comprobar que muchos de los restos que menciona aún pueden observarse en la actualidad.
October 24, 2021
(3.5/5) At the beginning it is somewhat confusing but later it becomes easier to follow the reading and imagine the places, in general it would be a good travel guide but not so much for someone who has not been in Greece or has seen it with their own eyes, although we can still imagine somehow all the monuments that it exhibits.
February 10, 2025
Qué gran compañero de viaje es Pausanias, a pensar de los siglos que nos separan, y a pesar también de que a veces se pone gruñón, como cuando dice más o menos eso de: "Existe una historia acerca de esto, pero no voy a contarla", o (también, más o menos): "Ya no voy a detenerme más en eso porque quiero pasar a otra cosa". Ahí lo llevas. Es su libro y te cuenta lo que él quiera.
Recorrer Grecia con Pausanias en la mochila es una experiencia, aunque nada permanece ya como él lo encontró.
Recorrer Grecia con Pausanias en la mochila es una experiencia, aunque nada permanece ya como él lo encontró.
February 8, 2025
Pausanias is critical reading for anybody interested in Ancient Greek religion or culture. Sure he can be a bit dry at times, but his insights are cited in every other pdf about anything to do with Ancient Greece.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews