Paleocaster
City of Crete, only mentioned as the Homeland of Nicomedes Philadelphius, an experienced captain who escorts Apostles to Antioch of Syria[1]
Inhabitants or Natives
Description
In the port of Tyre, Peter inquires about a ship departing for Salteucia. “Do you know if there is, in the port, this port, the ship of... wait, let me read this name... (and he pulls out a scroll tied at his belt), here it is: Nicomedes Philadelphius of Philip, Cretan from Paléocastro...’’” “Oh! The great navigator! And who doesn’t know him?”[2].
In his work[1], Jean-François Lavère wonders: “Could it be that this is the famous ‘Mariner of Tyre'’, first-century geographer, whose memoirs Ptolemy consulted, and to whom he paid tribute by admitting to have been inspired by him[3]? Whatever the case, without this ‘illustrious’ navigator, there would be no reference to Paléocastro in the work of Maria Valtorta.”
Its Name
Paléocastro, Paleokastro, literally means “old fortress” or “ancient castle”. This name is often given to archaeological sites or to ruins of fortresses. It is named for the existence of an ancient cyclopean wall.
Where is it mentioned in the work?
EMV 319.
Learn More About This Place
Paléocastro is a city of Crete, located in the east of the island, situated two kilometers from the sea. It protected the city of Heraklion, known for its palace of Knossos. The Heraklion region has been continuously inhabited since at least 7000 BC, making it one of the oldest inhabited regions in Europe.
Explore
- 35° 11’ 52’’ N / 26° 15’ 17’’ E /
- +10m