GREECE PELOPONNESE LAKONIA GYTHEION

Modern Gytheion (Gythion, Jithio) amphitheatrically nestles to the hills surrounding the harbour. It was already settled in Mycenaean times, but nothing has been found from this period.

Below left: The islet of Marathonisi, ancient Kranái, is today linked by a dam to the harbour road. Until about 1500 BC, it was used by the Phoenicians as a trade centre for the highly valued purple dye. It is also speculated that the island may have been a refuge for Paris and Helena, where they spent the first night after their escape from Sparta before sailing to Troy. In classical times, the Spartans founded Las on the island, a sacred precinct with temples and votive offerings.

Below right: According to a sign a Zeus sanctuary, but there really is not much to be seen.