Thespeae

(Θεσπειαί and Θεσπιαί), or Thespea (Θεσπεία, Θεσπία). Now Eremo or Rimokastro; an ancient town in Boeotia on the southeastern slope of Mount Helicon, at no great distance from the Crissaean Gulf. It was burned to the ground by the Persians, but subsequently rebuilt. At Thespiae was preserved the celebrated marble statue of Eros by Praxiteles, who had given it to Phryné, by whom it was presented to her native town. (See Praxiteles.) From the vicinity of Thespiae to Mount Helicon the Muses are called Thespiades, and Helicon itself is named the Thespia rupes. (Varro, L. L. vii. 2.)