LAS (port in Laconia)
Ancient harbor city of Lakonia, Greece
- Kind of place
- Port
- Region
- Laconia
- Where
- 36.73° N, 22.50° E
The city possessed a convenient harbor suitable for naval use. Strabo 8.5.4 The Dioscuri received the name Lapersae because they destroyed this place. Strabo 8.5.3 A statue of Heracles stands outside the walls of the old town. Pausanias 3.24.6
Described in the sources
Las was a settlement located in the region of Laconia, within Lacedaemon. Iliad 2 ¶43 +1 Las served as a naval station for the region. Strabo 8.5.4 The city is located forty stades away from Gythium. Pausanias 3.24.6 The people of Laas were led by Menelaus during the war. Iliad 2 ¶43 Las is situated to the right of Gythium, ten stades from the sea. Pausanias 3.24.6 The ancient settlement was originally built on the summit of Mount Asia. Pausanias 3.24.6 The current town occupies the area between the mountains Ilius, Asia, and Cnacadium. Pausanias 3.24.6 Las is located after Teuthrone and before Pyrrhichus along the route from Aegiae to the sea. Pausanias 3.21.7 Las is one of the eighteen cities held by the Free Laconians that remained independent from Sparta. Pausanias 3.21.7
Stories and history
Ruins of the old town still exist at the site. Pausanias 3.24.6 The Dioscuri are reported to have captured the city through a siege. Strabo 8.5.3 A trophy commemorating a victory over Macedonians is located at the site. Pausanias 3.24.6 Laas was part of a group of cities that provided sixty ships to the military force. Iliad 2 ¶43 Las defeated a detached group of Philip's army that was plundering coastal districts. Pausanias 3.24.6