TAENARUM (cape in Laconia)
Cape at south tip of Greece, ancient Taenarum
- Also called
- Cape Matapan
- Kind of place
- Cape
- Region
- Laconia
- Landmarks
- Temple resembling a cave Pausanias 3.25.4
- Where
- 36.39° N, 22.48° E
A sanctuary of Poseidon was located at Cape Matapan. Pausanias 2.33.2 The location contains the entrance to the descent into Hades. Apollodorus 2.5.12 Hercules descended into the underworld through the opening at this cape. Apollodorus 2.5.12
Described in the sources
A bronze statue of Arion riding a dolphin is located on Taenarum, where he arrived safely after being rescued by a dolphin. Lucian, Dialogues of the Sea-Gods 8 ¶1 +3 Taenarum is located in the region of Laconia. Apollodorus 2.5.12 +2 Taenarum is described as a location swept by high winds. Pausanias 2.33.2 +2 Thyrides is a headland, rocky outcrop, and group of islands located near Taenarum, 100 stadia away. Pausanias 3.25.9 +2 The point of Taenarum is forty stades away from Caenepolis by sea. Pausanias 3.25.9 +1 Taenarum is located next to the route leading to Onugnathus and Maleae, at a distance of 520 stadia from Onugnathus. Strabo 8.5.1 +1 A spring is located on the cape. Pausanias 3.25.8 A cave-like temple stands on the promontory. Pausanias 3.25.4 Taenarum contains quarries of valuable marble. Strabo 8.5.7 Lightnings travel along a path through this area. Statius, Thebaid 2.24-50 ¶2
Gods and worship
The spring once displayed visions of harbors and ships to observers. Pausanias 3.25.8
Stories and history
Ancient marble quarries existed in Taenarum. Strabo 8.5.7 A statue of Poseidon is positioned in front of the temple. Pausanias 3.25.4 The forests of Taenarum were drenched by rain during a storm. Statius, Thebaid 1.306-331 ¶4 Romans recently opened a large marble quarry in Mount Taygetus. Strabo 8.5.7 Ephors dragged condemned men from an altar situated at this place. Pausanias 4.24.5 The hidden path is said to conduct pallid ghosts to the underworld. Statius, Thebaid 2.24-50 ¶2 Lacedaemonians killed men who had taken refuge in the local sanctuary. Pausanias 7.25.3 A woman washing clothes permanently ended the spring's magical visions. Pausanias 3.25.8
Myths set at Taenarum
- The Storming of the Aegean. Neptune drives winds released from Aeolus' cell across the Aegean Sea, causing storms and shaking islands. He leads his hybrid horses to a hidden bay at Taenarum to rest after the journey. Statius, Thebaid 2.24-50 ¶2 +1 Poseidon