GYTHEION ANCIENT POLIS (city in Laconia)
Ancient city and archaeological site in Lakonia, Greece
- Kind of place
- City
- Region
- Laconia
- Where
- 36.76° N, 22.56° E
Gythium served as the naval arsenal for the city of Sparta. Strabo 8.3.12 Its harbor for vessels is described as being artificially excavated. Strabo 8.5.2 A sanctuary of Aphrodite Migonitis is on the mainland opposite the island. Pausanias 3.22.1
Described in the sources
Gythium is located on the mainland near the coast, within the territory of the Free Laconians, where the Eurotas river empties into the sea. Pausanias 3.21.6 +2 Gythium is located thirty stades away from the city of Aegiae and is the first city encountered when traveling from Aegiae to the sea. Pausanias 3.21.6 +1 The island Cranae lies before the city. Pausanias 3.22.1 An unwrought stone is located about three stades from the city. Pausanias 3.22.1 The Eurotas river mouth is situated between Gythium and Acraea. Strabo 8.5.2 The coast near Gythium yields shellfish used for making purple dye. Pausanias 3.21.6 Gythium is one of the eighteen cities belonging to the Free Laconians. Pausanias 3.21.7 Gythium is located near Taenarum along the coast between Asine and Acraea. Strabo 8.5.2 Gythium is situated along the third parallel circle described in the text. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 6.39 ΒΆ4 The ancient settlement was originally situated on the summit of Mount Asia. Pausanias 3.24.6
Stories and history
Ruins of the old town still exist at the site today. Pausanias 3.24.6 A statue of Heracles stands outside the walls of the old town. Pausanias 3.24.6 A trophy commemorating a victory over Macedonians is present at the site. Pausanias 3.24.6 A detached group of Philip's army was defeated and plundered the coastal districts. Pausanias 3.24.6 Tolmides burned the dock-yards located at this city while commanding the Athenian fleet. Pausanias 1.27.5 The Lacedaemonian camp located at this site was burned down by Philopoemen and his followers. Pausanias 8.50.8