TAYGETUS (mountain in Laconia)
Mountain range in Peloponnese, Greece
- Kind of place
- Mountain
- Region
- Laconia
- Where
- 36.95° N, 22.35° E
The Dioscuri were born beneath the peak of this mountain. Hymn XXXIII to the Dioscuri ll. 1-17 From its summit, one could view the entire island of Pelops. The Cypria fr. 12 The area serves as a hunting ground for boars, wild goats, bears, and deer. Pausanias 3.20.4
Described in the sources
Mount Taygetus is located within the territory of Laconia. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 36.47 ¶1 +2 The range includes a location called Euoras. Pausanias 3.20.4 The mountain range contains a peak named Taletum. Pausanias 3.20.4 The snow on its peaks melts during the summer season. Seneca, Thyestes act 1 ¶7 Snow covers its highest peaks during the winter months. Seneca, Thyestes act 1 ¶7 The location Dereium is found near this mountain range. Pausanias 3.20.7 Lynceus climbed the highest peak of this mountain range. The Cypria fr. 12 The site of the city Bryseae is located near the mountain. Pausanias 3.20.3 Stones resembling those from Media are found in this mountain. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 37.18 ¶5 Leto is said to have come from the peaks of this mountain range. Pausanias 3.20.5
Stories and history
A large portion of the mountain broke off during an earthquake that destroyed Sparta. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 2.81 ¶1 The mountain is described as sinking low as part of a general diminishment of nature. Statius, Achilleid 1.417-444 ¶1 The mountain provides whetstones that are considered the second best variety and are used as hones requiring oil. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 36.47 ¶1