Dictionary of Greek and Roman Geography/Acace'sium

by William Smith (1813-1893)

ACACE'SIUM (^'Axaicfynov: Eth. 'Aicaud^irios), a town of Arcadia in the district of Parrhasia, at the foot of a hill of the same name, and 36 stadia on the road from Megalopolis to Phigalea. It is said to have been founded by Acacius, son of Lycaon; and according to some traditions Hermes was brought up at this place by Acacus, and hence derived the surname of Acacesius. Upon the hill there was a statue in stone, in the time of Pausanias, of Hermes Acacesius; and four stadia from the town was a celebrated temple of Despoena. This temple probably stood on the hill, on which are now the remains of the church of St Elias. (Paus. viii. 3. § 2, viii. 27. § 4, viiL 36. § 10; Steph. Byz. s. v.; Boss, Reisen im Peloponnes, vol. i. p. 87.)