Iolcus is an ancient Grecian city that was located in Magnesia. In modern times, the place is a village that used to be a municipality. It’s in the middle of Magnesia, somewhat north of the gulf. The overall land area of the place is 1,981 kilometers squared. In modern times, the municipality has been divided into three sections with three communities. Agios Onoufrios has a population of 475, Anakasia has a population of 1,012, and Ano Volos has a population of 651. As of the census in 2011, the population was a total of 2,138.
Iolcus features prominently in ancient Greek mythology. In one myth, the rightful king of Iolcus was Aeson. However, Aeson had a half-brother named Pelias who usurped the throne. Aeson’s son Jason was the famous Jason of heroic legend. Pelias was the person to send Jason and the Argonauts in search of the Golden Fleece.
When Jason set sail, it was upon the ship Argo, sailing from the port in Iolcus. The ship’s crew consisted of fifty princes and demigods who submitted to Jason’s leadership. They were meant to reach Colchis in order to reclaim the Golden Fleece.
Jason married the sorceress Medea, who was the daughter of King Aeetes. She was also a princess of Aea, the granddaughter of the sun, and Circe’s niece. She later became the queen of Iolcus. In mythology, Medea is considered to be a tragic figure, and the ancient Greek play Medea is entirely about her trials and tribulations.
It’s believed that the ancient place called Iolcus would be located close to modern-day Dimini. Recently, a Mycenaean palace had been excavated from this area.
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