Hiera (mythology)

In Greek mythology, Hiera (Ancient Greek: Ἱέρα) is the wife of Telephus, the mythic founder of the city of Pergamum.^[1] She is depicted in the frieze on the interior of the Altar of Pergamum.^[2]

Mythology

During the Trojan War the Greeks attacked Pergamum, either because they mistook it for Troy, or because an alliance existed between Troy and Pergamum. Hiera united a cavalry of Mysian women to repel the attack.^[3] However, in the battle Hiera was killed by the Greek warrior Nireus.^[2] Telephus was so grief-stricken that he called a cease-fire to hold the funeral for Hiera, before restarting the battle and finally driving the invaders away.^[2]

It is possible that the ancient city of Hierapolis (modern Pamukkale, Turkey) was named in her honor, though the name can also be read as just 'holy city'.^[4] She had two sons with Telephus, Tarchon and Tyrsenus.^[1]

See also

• 7119 Hiera, Jovian asteroid
• Hiera a genus of moths