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[171] πολυδίψιον: so “Ἄργους διψίαν χθόνα” Eur. Alc. 560.The epithet caused some trouble to the old commentators, as the plain of the Inachos was reputed well-watered (cf. “ἱππόβοτον” 2.287). They were inclined to explain it “πολυπόθητον”, much thirsted after, or to read “πολυίψιον” = destructive (so Strabo), “διὰ τοὺς πολέμους”. Some preferred, however, to explain it by a legend (found also in a fragment of Hesiod) that Argos was waterless till Danaos came with his daughters; and that Poseidon or Athene provided it with wells. And in fact the Inachos and Charadros, which flow by the town of Argos, are almost waterless in summer; the reputation of abundant supply seems to have been based upon an elaborate system of irrigation, to which the legends allude. See Paus.ii. 15. 5, and Frazer iii. p. 96.

The Iliad, edited, with apparatus criticus, prolegomena, notes, and appendices. Walter Leaf. London. Macmillan. 1900.

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hide References (3 total)
  • Commentary references from this page (3):
    • Euripides, Alcestis, 560
    • Homer, Iliad, 2.287
    • Pausanias, Description of Greece, 2.15.5
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