ANTICYRA  , the

ancient name of three cities of Greece . (1) (Mod . Aspraspitia), in Phocis, on the bay of Anticyra, in the Corinthian gulf; some remains are still visible . It was a town of considerable importance in ancient times; was destroyed by Philip of Macedon; recovered its prosperity; and was captured by T . Quinctius Flamininus in 198 B.C . The city was famous for its black hellebore, a herb which was regarded as a cure for insanity . This circumstance gave rise to a number of proverbial expressions, like 'Avrucbpas oe SEC or " naviget Anticyram," and to frequent allusions in the Greek and Latin writers . Hellebore was likewise considered beneficial in cases of gout and epilepsy . (2) In Thessaly, on the right bank of the river Spercheus, near its mouth . (3) In Locris, on the north side of the entrance to the Corinthian gulf, near Naupactus .