Book 8
5.2
After Taenarum, on the voyage to Onugnathus and Maleae, one comes to the city Psamathus; then to Asine, and to Gythium, the seaport of Sparta, situated at a distance of two hundred and forty stadia from Sparta. The roadstead of the seaport was dug by the hand of man, so it is said. Then one comes to the Eurotas, which empties between Gythium and Acraea. Now for a time the voyage is along the shore, for about two hundred and forty stadia; then comes a marshy district situated above the gulf, and also a village called Helus.“Helus” means “Marsh.” In earlier times Helus was a city, just as Homer says: “And they that held Amyclae, and Helus, a city by the sea.”Hom. Il. 2.584It is said to have been founded by Helius, a son of Perseus. And one comes also to a plain called Leuce;This plain extends northeast from Cyparissia. then to a city Cyparissia, which is situated on a peninsula and has a harbor; then to Onugnathus, which has a harbor; then to the city Boea; and then to Maleae. And the distance from Onugnathus to Maleae is one hundred and fifty stadia; and there is also a city AsopusBetween Acraeae and Cyparissia. Now in ruins near Xyli. in Laconia.
