KYTHIRA (island in Cythera)
Greek island in the Ionian Sea
- Kind of place
- Island
- Region
- Cythera
- Patron
- Aphrodite
- Landmarks
- Sanctuary of Aphrodite Urania Pausanias 3.23.1; Scandeia Pausanias 3.23.1
- People of myth here
- Amphidamas, Lycophron
- Where
- 36.26° N, 23.00° E
The sanctuary of Aphrodite Urania is considered the most ancient among Greek sanctuaries and features an armed wooden image of the goddess. Pausanias 3.23.1 Inhabitants near Cythera called Aphrodite Cytherian because she sojourned there. Diodorus 5.77 The island possesses a good harbour. Strabo 8.5.1
Described in the sources
A city bearing the same name as the island exists on it. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 4.19 ¶3 +1 Cythera is located 40 stadia in front of the peninsula Onugnathus. Pausanias 3.23.1 +1 Cythera is the location from which Venus claims to have sprung, emerging naked from the waters. Aeneid 5.779 +1 Cythera is located within the Gulf of Laconia. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 4.19 ¶3 Philoxenus, a poet, originated from this island. Athenaeus 1.11 Cythera is located midway between Cimarus and Malea. Strabo 10.4.5 The island is situated opposite the region of Boeae. Pausanias 3.23.1 The island was previously known by the name Porphyris. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 4.19 ¶3 The island is associated with deep and hallowing shade. Aeneid 1.657 Juno claims to have authority over the island of Cythera. Aeneid 10.62
Gods and worship
The Phoenicians from Ascalon taught the people of Cythera how to worship Heavenly Aphrodite. Pausanias 1.14.7
Stories and history
Venus claims ownership of the island of Cythera. Aeneid 10.16 The temple on the island was founded by people from Syria. Herodotus 1.105.3 Tolmides captured the island while commanding the Athenian fleet. Pausanias 1.27.5 Chilon feared the island would offer an opportunity for enemy attacks. Herodotus 7.235.2 Chilon stated it would be better for Spartans if the island were submerged. Herodotus 7.235.2 The island was the private property of Eurycles, a Lacedaemonian commander. Strabo 8.5.1