LIMNAE (city in Messenia)
Ancient city in Messenia
- Kind of place
- City
- Region
- Messenia
- Where
- 37.12° N, 22.19° E
Limnae were the marshy suburbs of Sparta in ancient times. Strabo 8.5.1 A sanctuary dedicated to Artemis Limnatis is located at Limnae. Pausanias 4.31.3 Limnae is a location where the goddess performs a dance near springs. Callimachus, Hymn 3 ΒΆ8
Described in the sources
A temple of Bacchus was located in Limnae. Strabo 8.5.1 Limnae is a location situated within the interior region. Pausanias 4.31.3 The temple of Bacchus in Limnae now stands on dry ground. Strabo 8.5.1 A temple of Diana in Sparta is named after this specific place. Strabo 8.4.9 The city is situated on the border between Laconia and Messenia. Strabo 8.4.9 The temple of Bacchus in Limnae originally stood in a wet location. Strabo 8.5.1 A religious festival was being held at this location when the virgins were abused. Strabo 6.1.6 part 1 Residents of neighboring regions commonly held joint festivals and sacrifices at this location. Strabo 8.4.9
Stories and history
The Milesians established Limnae as one of their colonies. Strabo 14.1.6 Teleclus, the king of Sparta, is said to have died at Limnae. Pausanias 4.31.3 Those who assisted the abused virgins were slain during the incident. Strabo 6.1.6 part 1 War reportedly broke out because the Messenians failed to make reparation for the violation. Strabo 8.4.9 Virgins attending a religious festival were abused by those who refused to satisfy Lacedaemonians. Strabo 6.1.6 part 1