LACONIA (region)
Historical region of ancient Greece
- Kind of place
- Region
- Where
- 37.00° N, 22.58° E
Sparta is located within the region of Laconia. Euripides, Andromache 147-182 The region of Laconia contains abundant natural springs. Pausanias 3.21.3 The remainder of the Laconian coast has good ports. Strabo 8.6.1
Described in the sources
The promontory of Taenarum, which projects into the sea within the bay on the coast of the region, is located in Laconia and is the site of the entrance to the descent into Hades. Apollodorus 2.5.12 +3 The river Eurotas flows through Laconia after emerging from underground sources. Pausanias 3.21.3 +2 Laconian shellfish are considered the best for purple dye after those from Phoenicia. Pausanias 3.21.6 +2 Mount Taygetus is located within the region of Laconia. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 36.47 ¶1 +1 The region of Laconia is located adjacent to Argeia, with Thyreae situated on their shared border. Strabo 8.2.2 +1 The city of Pharis, known by that name in Homer's Catalogue, was once part of the region of Laconia. Pausanias 3.20.3 +1 Laconia is situated next to the region of Messenia, with which it shares a border at the location of the temple of Artemis in Limnae. Strabo 8.2.2 +1 Some claim Messene was a part of Laconia. Strabo 8.5.3 The town of Psamathus is located in Laconia. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 4.8 ¶1 Laconia is part of the Peloponnesus peninsula. Strabo 8.2.2
Gods and worship
The name Hecatompolis was used because hecatombs were sacrificed there annually. Strabo 8.4.11 A temple is erected to Lycurgus in Laconia, where annual sacrifices are performed in his honour. Strabo 8.5.5 Its inhabitants gained sovereignty over both sea and land after Lycurgus formed their constitution. Strabo 8.5.5
Stories and history
The Emperor Augustus incorporated the Messenians of Pharae into this region. Pausanias 4.1.1 +1 The subjects of Lelex were named Leleges after him. Pausanias 3.1.1 The area contains quarries that yield valuable marble. Strabo 8.5.7 The local government ended with the death of Eurycles. Strabo 8.5.5 Menelaus was granted control over the region of Laconia. Strabo 8.6.10 Reeds in Laconia produce more shoots at their lower ends. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 16.66 ¶1 Anchises died in this region and was buried there by Aeneas. Pausanias 8.12.8 Philip's army invaded the region during a military campaign. Pausanias 3.24.6 Polycaon remained a private person until he married Messene. Pausanias 4.1.1 The Achaean Phthiotae left this region for the Ionian country. Strabo 8.5.5
Myths set at Laconia
- The Curse of the Chorus. The Chorus curses Menelaus, wishing for his death in bed and his ship to be destroyed by a thunderbolt. They hope he will never reach Pitane, Laconia, his father's home, or the temple of the goddess with bronze gates. Euripides, Rhesus 254-263 +1 Menelaus