LECHAEUM (port in Corinthia)
Ancient port of Corinth, Greece
- Kind of place
- Port
- Region
- Corinthia
- People of myth here
- Melicertes, Called Palaemon
- Where
- 37.93° N, 22.89° E
Lechaeum is one of the two harbors of Corinth, located below the city and at the sea end of the Corinthian Isthmus. Pausanias 10.37.3 Lechaeum is described as a sacred harbor dedicated to the deity Palaemon. Statius, Thebaid 2.365-390 ¶2 A sanctuary dedicated to Poseidon exists within the harbor area. Pausanias 2.2.3
Described in the sources
The water level at Lechaeum is not the same as at Cenchrea. Strabo 1.3.14 Poseidon is referred to as the Lord of Lechaeum in the text. Callimachus, Hymn 4 ¶11 Long walls stretch on both sides of the road leading to the port. Strabo 8.6.22 Lechaeum is located along a road that starts from the market-place. Pausanias 2.3.2 The Theban army passed by this location while returning to Boeotia. Pausanias 9.14.6 The harbor's name derives from Leches, a son of Poseidon and Peirene. Pausanias 2.2.3 The Corinthians are bounded by the Sicyonians on the side of Lechaeum. Pausanias 8.1.2 A battle between Boeotians and Lacedaemonians occurred at this location. Pausanias 9.15.4 A gateway featuring two gilded chariots stands on the road leading to Lechaeum. Pausanias 2.3.2 A bronze statue of Heracles is situated near the gateway on the way to Lechaeum. Pausanias 2.3.2
Gods and worship
It serves as the port for trade with Italy. Strabo 8.6.22
Stories and history
The area is described as not being well inhabited. Strabo 8.6.22 A bronze statue of Poseidon is located in Lechaeum. Pausanias 2.2.3