Caryae (Arcadia)

Caryae (Καρυαί) was an ancient town in the region of Arcadia, Greece. Its location is generally placed in the vicinity of modern-day Karyes, near the border with Laconia. Caryae was notable for its annual festival and dance dedicated to Artemis Caryatis, celebrated by the maidens of Caryae. Pausanias, in his Description of Greece, mentions a sanctuary of Artemis Caryatis and describes the peculiar dances performed in her honor, involving maidens carrying nut baskets on their heads. These dances were said to have been established in commemoration of the daughters of King Carius, who were turned into walnut trees because they revealed his secrets. The name "Caryae" is connected to the Greek word karya (κάρυα), meaning walnut tree. While the exact political significance of Caryae is somewhat obscure, it appears to have maintained its own identity and religious traditions within the broader Arcadian confederacy. Its importance stems primarily from its religious significance and the unique cultural practices associated with the worship of Artemis Caryatis. Archaeological evidence in the region supports the existence of an ancient settlement and a sanctuary, further solidifying the historical record.