Land of the Cicones
Explore the Land of the Cicones, Odysseus' first stop after leaving Troy. Learn about the raid on Ismarus and the first losses of the journey in Homer's Odyssey.
Episode in The Odyssey
Immediately after departing from Troy, Odysseus and his fleet of twelve ships sailed to the land of the Cicones, allies of Troy located in Thrace. This was the first stop on the long journey home and the first sign that the voyage would not be easy. The episode is recounted by Odysseus himself in Book 9 of the Odyssey, as he tells his tale to the Phaeacians.
What Happened There
Odysseus and his men raided the Ciconian city of Ismarus, killing the men and plundering their wealth, wine, and livestock. Odysseus urged his men to leave quickly after the initial raid, but they refused, preferring to feast and celebrate on the beach. This delay proved disastrous. The surviving Cicones rallied reinforcements from inland — skilled warriors who fought from chariots. At dawn, they attacked in overwhelming numbers. The Greeks were driven back to their ships, and Odysseus lost six men from each of his twelve vessels — seventy-two companions in total. It was a harsh lesson in hubris and disobedience that would echo throughout the journey.
Historical Location
The Cicones inhabited the coastal region of Thrace, in what is now northeastern Greece. The city of Ismarus (or Ismaros) is often associated with the area around modern Maroneia, near the Aegean coast between Alexandroupolis and Komotini. This region was known in antiquity for its wine — notably the Maronean wine that Odysseus would later use to intoxicate the Cyclops Polyphemus. The Thracian coastline provided a logical first stop for ships sailing west from the Dardanelles.
Role in Odysseus' Journey
The episode at the land of the Cicones establishes a critical pattern in the Odyssey: the tension between Odysseus' wisdom and his men's recklessness. His order to depart quickly was ignored, resulting in needless casualties. This dynamic — a wise leader whose followers repeatedly make fatal mistakes — recurs throughout the epic and ultimately leads to the loss of every one of his companions. The raid also shows that Odysseus himself is not purely heroic; his initial decision to plunder Ismarus reflects the violent norms of the age.