LEFKADA (island in Leucas)
Greek island in the Ionian Sea
- Kind of place
- Island
- Region
- Leucas
- Where
- 38.72° N, 20.64° E
The name Leucas was changed from Leucatas, which refers to a white rock. Strabo 10.2.8 A white rock named Leucatas projects from Leucas toward Cephallenia. Strabo 10.2.8 The Corinthians cut through the isthmus to turn Leucas into an island. Strabo 1.3.18
Described in the sources
Leucas is situated on the coast of Acarnania, a region included in Homer's reference to Epirus. Strabo 10.2.10 +3 Leucas is located 240 stadia from Anactorium. Strabo 10.2.7 A locality named Taphiusa is situated near Leucas. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 36.39 ¶2 The distance from Leucas to Corcyra is 700 stadia. Strabo 2.4.3 Leucas is located 700 stadia from the Peloponnesus. Strabo 2.4.3 The connecting strip of land is three stadia in length. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 4.2 ¶1 Leucas is located along the shores of the Ambracian sea. Statius, Thebaid 4.783-810 ¶2 Leucas is one of several cities that depend on Nicopolis. Strabo 10.2.2 The town of Leucas was formerly known by the name Neritus. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 4.2 ¶1 Leucas was formerly connected to the mainland by an isthmus. Strabo 1.3.18
Stories and history
The settlement of Neritus belonged to Leucas. Strabo 10.2.8 The sea is reported to have torn Leucas apart. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 2.92 ¶1 Inhabitants once cut the peninsula off from the mainland. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 4.2 ¶1 Wind-blown sand later reconnected the peninsula to the mainland. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 4.2 ¶1 The Corinthians moved Neritus to the location of the former isthmus. Strabo 10.2.8 Corinthians sent by Cypselus and Gorgus gained control of the Leucas coast. Strabo 10.2.8 Elbulus describes the wine from Leucas as being as sweet as wine from Miletus. Athenaeus 1.52