Arethusa (Mygdonia)

Arethusa was an ancient city located in Mygdonia, a region of Macedonia. The precise location of Arethusa is debated amongst scholars, but it is generally believed to have been situated somewhere near Lake Volvi.

Historically, Arethusa is notable for its association with the death of Euripides, the renowned Athenian playwright. According to tradition, Euripides retreated to the court of Archelaus I of Macedon in the late 5th century BCE and died in Arethusa in 406 BCE. Accounts of his death vary, some claiming he died of natural causes, while others suggest he was killed by hunting dogs belonging to the king.

While Arethusa existed during the Classical and Hellenistic periods, little specific detail about its political or social structure survives in historical records. Its importance stems primarily from its connection to Euripides, making it a site of literary and historical interest. Archaeological investigations in the region have yielded some finds that might be associated with Arethusa, but definitive confirmation remains elusive. The ancient sources mentioning Arethusa are scant and provide limited information beyond the Euripides connection.