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{{Infobox Greek Dimos
  |name = Gytheio
  |name_local = Γύθειο
|type = municipal unit
|image_map = DE Gythiou.svg
|map_caption = Location within the regional unit
|periph = [[Peloponnese (region)|Peloponnese]]
|periphunit         = [[Laconia]]
|municipality = [[East Mani]]
  |pop_community = 4542
  |population_as_of = 2021
  |pop_municunit = 6987
  |area_municunit  =  197.3
  |elevation = 5
  |coordinates = {{coord|36|45.7|N|22|33.9|E|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
  |postal_code = 232 00
  |area_code = 27330
  |licence = ΑΚ
  |website = 
 |image_skyline      = Gythio Port, Greece - Diliff.jpg
 |caption_skyline    = The port and promenade
 |city_flag          = 
 |city_seal          = 
 |districts          = 
}}

'''Gytheio''' ({{langx|el|Γύθειο}} {{IPA|el|ˈʝiθio|}}) or '''Gythio''', also the ancient '''Gythium''' or '''Gytheion''' ({{langx|grc|Γύθειον}}), is a town on the eastern shore of the [[Mani Peninsula]] in the [[Peloponnese (region)|Peloponnese]] of [[southern Greece]], in the historical and administrative region of [[Laconia]]. It is the largest and most important town in [[Mani Peninsula|Mani]]. Gytheio is the seat of the municipality of [[East Mani]]. Gytheio is significant in the history of Mani and the [[Maniots]].

Ancient Gytheio was the seaport of [[Sparta|Ancient Sparta]], approximately {{convert|40|km|0|abbr=off}} north. Gytheio continued to be a major port until its destruction in the 4th century CE, possibly by an [[earthquake]]. Its strategic location made it a coveted possession for foreign powers into the 20th century. 

The small island of [[Cranae]], where, according to myth, [[Paris (mythology)|Paris]] and [[Helen of Troy|Helen]] spent their first night together before departing for [[Troy]], lies off the coast of Gytheio. 

Gytheio was formerly a municipality in [[Laconia]]. Since a nationwide 2011 government reform it is part of the municipality [[East Mani]], of which it is a municipal unit.<ref name="Kallikratis">{{Cite web|url=http://www.et.gr/idocs-nph/search/pdfViewerForm.html?args=5C7QrtC22wGYK2xFpSwMnXdtvSoClrL81-32jgAMSfbnMRVjyfnPUeJInJ48_97uHrMts-zFzeyCiBSQOpYnT00MHhcXFRTsb2fGphpq4MKX2ZkaHobySNnvZCNHXvYVvlf80XevW0Q.|title=ΦΕΚ B 1292/2010, Kallikratis reform municipalities|language=el|publisher=[[Government Gazette (Greece)|Government Gazette]]}}</ref> The municipal unit has an area of 197.313&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>.<ref name="stat01">{{cite web|url=http://dlib.statistics.gr/Book/GRESYE_02_0101_00098%20.pdf|publisher=National Statistical Service of Greece|title=Population & housing census 2001 (incl. area and average elevation)|language=el}}</ref>

== Historical population ==

{| class=wikitable
! Year !! Town !! Municipality
|-
| 1830<ref name="Saïtis46">Saïtis. ''Mani.'', 46.</ref> || 500-700 || - 
|-
| 1910<ref name="Saïtis47">Saïtis. ''Mani.'', 47.</ref> || 2,000+ || - 
|-
| 1981 || 4,354 || - 
|-
| 1991 || 4,259 || 7,542
|-
| 2001<ref name=stat01/> || 4,479 || 7,433
|-
| 2011<ref name=census11>{{cite web | url = http://www.statistics.gr/documents/20181/1210503/resident_population_census2011rev.xls | title = Απογραφή Πληθυσμού - Κατοικιών 2011. ΜΟΝΙΜΟΣ Πληθυσμός | publisher = Hellenic Statistical Authority | language = el }}</ref> || 4,717 || 7,106 
|-
| 2021<ref name=census21/> || 4,542 || 6,987
|}

== Geography ==
Gytheio is located in the northeastern corner of [[Mani Peninsula|the Mani Peninsula]] and lies on the northwestern end of the [[Laconian Gulf]]. Gytheio was built on a hill called Koumaros or Laryssio in one of the most fertile areas in Mani, near the mouth of the [[Gythium River]], which is usually dry and has been nicknamed ''Xerias'' "dry river"; today, most of the Xerias is covered by Ermou Avenue.

Directly north and visible from the harbor is Profitis Ilias, the [[Ultra-prominent peak|ultra-prominent]] peak of [[Taygetus]], the mountain range whose spine juts southward into the [[Mediterranean Sea]] and forms the Mani Peninsula.

On the ridgeline running south from Profitis Ilias sits the [[Monastery of Panayia Yiatrissa]] overlooking the valley toward Gytheio; the [[E4 European long distance path|E4 hiking path]] connects the three, running south from Profitis Ilias, passing by the monastery, and leading to Gytheio.

Northeast of Gytheio is the delta of the [[Evrotas River]].  Offshore are several small islands; the most important of these islands is [[Cranae]], on which sits the Tzannetakis Tower (now the Historical and Cultural museum of Mani) and a lighthouse built of solid marble. Today Cranae is connected to the mainland by a causeway.

Approximately 5&nbsp;km (3&nbsp;mi) southwest is a passageway to the deeper Mani, historically guarded by [https://www.kastra.eu/castleen.php?kastro=passavas Castle Passavas] (now in ruins), which towers over the site of ancient [[Las (Greece)|Las]].  Further west is the historic city of [[Areopoli]] and the [[Alepotrypa cave|Caves of Diros]], which are important tourist attractions.

Gytheio is only {{convert|40|km|0|abbr=on}} southeast of [[Sparti]], connected by [[Greek National Road 39]]. The town center is situated around the port. Pine trees are situated in the west and rocky mountains in the north.

== Nearest places ==
* South: [[Mavrovouni, Laconia|Mavrovouni]]
* Southwest: [[Maniots#Under the Principality of Achaea|Castle Passava]]
* West: Rachi
* North: Stefania
* East: [[Cranae]]

== History ==
[[File:SouthernPeloponessus.gif|right|thumb|Map showing Gythium in ancient Greece.]]
[[File:Ancient theatre of gythio.jpg|right|thumb|The ancient theatre of Gythio.]]
[[File:Gythio.JPG|thumb|View of the promenade.]]
[[File:Gythios, island 04.JPG|thumb|Tzannetakis Tower (1829) on Cranae Island]]
[[File:RathausGythio.JPG|thumb|The city hall, designed by [[Ernst Ziller]].]]
[[File:Port of Gytheio as seen from the promenade on October 23, 2012.jpg|thumb|Port of Gytheio as seen from the promenade on October 23, 2012.]]

The mythical founders of ancient Gythium were [[Heracles]] and [[Apollo]],<ref>[[#Pausanias|Pausanias]] [https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/cgi-bin/ptext?lookup=Paus.+3.21.8 3.21.8]</ref> who frequently appear on its coins or in other legends, and [[Castor and Pollux]]:<ref name="Fermor">Fermor. ''Mani: Travels in the Southern Peloponesse.'', 302-303</ref> the former of these names may point to the influence of [[Phoenicia]]n traders from [[Tyre, Lebanon|Tyre]], who visited the Laconian shores at a very early period.<ref>[[#Pausanias|Pausanias]] [https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/cgi-bin/ptext?lookup=Paus.+3.21.6 3.21.6]</ref> It is thought that Gytheio may have been the center of their purple dye trade because the Laconian Gulf had a plentiful source of [[murex]]. In classical times it was a community of the ''[[Perioeci]]'' caste, politically dependent on Sparta, though doubtless with a municipal life of its own.{{sfn|Tod|1911}}

In 455 BC during the [[First Peloponnesian War]] (460 – 445 BCE) between Sparta and [[Athens]] Gytheium was burned by the Athenian admiral [[Tolmides]], who besieged the city with 50 ships and 4,000 [[hoplites]].<ref name="Fermor"/><ref>[[#Pausanias|Pausanias]] [https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/cgi-bin/ptext?lookup=Paus.+1.27.5 1.27.5]</ref> It was rebuilt and likely became the shipyard for the Spartan fleet in the [[Second Peloponnesian War]] (431 — 404 BCE). In 407 BC, [[Alcibiades]] landed there and saw the thirty [[trireme]]s the Spartans were building.<ref name="Fermor"/><ref>Xenophon, ''Hellenica'', 1, 4, [https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/cgi-bin/ptext?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.01.0206&layout=&loc=1.4.1 8–12].</ref> In 370 BC, the [[Thebes, Greece|Thebans]] under the command of [[Epaminondas]] besieged the city successfully for three days after ravaging [[Laconia]],<ref name="Fermor"/> but it was recaptured by the Spartans three days later.

In 219 BC, [[Philip V of Macedon]] unsuccessfully attempted to capture the city.<ref name="Fermor"/> Under [[Nabis of Sparta|Nabis]], Gythium became a major naval arsenal and port. During the [[Roman-Spartan War]], Gythium was captured after a lengthy siege. After the war finished, Gythium was made part of the [[League of Free Laconians|Union of Free Laconians]] under [[Achean League|Achean]] protection.<ref name="Greenhalgh-Eliopoulos">Greenhalgh and Eliopoulos. ''Deep into Mani:Journey to the southern tip of Greece.'', 21</ref> Nabis recaptured Gythium three years and the Spartan fleet defeated the Achean fleet outside of Gythium. Gythium was liberated by a [[Ancient Rome|Roman]] fleet under the command of [[Aulus Atilius Serranus (consul 170 BC)|Aulus Atilius Serranus]].

Subsequently, Gythium formed the most important of the [[Union of Free Laconians]], a group of twenty-four, later eighteen, communities leagued together to maintain their autonomy against Sparta and declared free by [[Caesar Augustus]].<ref>[[#Pausanias|Pausanias]] [https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/cgi-bin/ptext?lookup=Paus.+3.21.7 3.21.7]</ref> The highest officer of the confederacy was the general, who was assisted by a treasurer (''rauias''), while the chief magistrates of the several communities bore the title of ''[[ephors]]''.{{sfn|Tod|1911}}

In Roman times Gythium remained a major port and it prospered as a member of the Union.{{cref|Roman Gythium}}<ref name="Greenhalgh-Eliopoulos"/> As purple dye was popular in [[Rome]], Gythium exported that as well as [[porphyry (geology)|porphyry]] and rose antique marble.<ref name="Fermor"/> Evidence of the ancient Gythium prosperity can be found by the fact that the Romans built an ancient theatre which is well preserved today and is still used occasionally. The ancient theatre and the city's [[acropolis]] (west of the theatre) were discovered by the archeologist Dimitris Skias in 1891. Some time in the 4th century AD, the city was destroyed.<ref name="Fermor"/> What happened to Gythium is not recorded but it is thought to have been either sacked by [[Alaric I|Alaric]] and the [[Visigoths]], pillaged by the [[Slavs]] or destroyed by the massive earthquake that struck the area in 375 AD.<ref name="Fermor"/>

After the earthquake, Gythium was abandoned. It remained a small village throughout the [[Byzantine]] and [[Ottoman Empire|Ottoman]] times. Its importance grew when Tzannetos Grigorakis built his tower at [[Cranae]] and more people came and settled at Gytheio.<ref name="Fermor"/> During the [[Greek War of Independence]], refugees flooded into [[Mani Peninsula|Mani]] and made Gytheio a major town.<ref name="Saïtis46-47">Saïtis. ''Mani.'', 46-47.</ref>

The modern Gytheio opened a port in the 1960s. Ferries sail from Gytheio to [[Kythira]] almost daily and also to [[Crete]] twice a week. It is the [[Episcopal see|See]] of the [[Diocese]] of Gytheion and [[Oitylo]], headed by a [[Metropolitan bishop]] of the [[Eastern Orthodox Church|Orthodox]] [[Church of Greece]]. Gytheio is the largest and most important town in Mani. Most of the ruins of ancient Gythium are now submerged in the Laconian Gulf. 
Some walls' remains can be seen today on the sandy beach of Valtaki and in the shallow waters, where the well known [[Dimitrios shipwreck]] lies stranded. It is also the capital of the municipality of Gytheio.

==Province==
[[File:Gytheio province.png|thumb|right|The former province of Gytheio within the Peloponnese.]]

The province of Gytheio ({{langx|el|Επαρχία Γυθείου}}) was one of the [[provinces of Greece|provinces]] of the Laconia Prefecture. Its territory corresponded with that of the current municipal units Gytheio and [[East Mani]].<ref name=census91>{{cite web|url= http://dlib.statistics.gr/Book/GRESYE_02_0101_00086.pdf |title=Detailed census results 1991 }}&nbsp;{{small|(39&nbsp;MB)}} {{in lang|el|fr}}</ref> It was abolished in 2006.

== Notable people ==
*[[Alexandros Othonaios]] (1879–1970), general and former [[List of Prime Ministers of Greece|Prime Minister of Greece]]
*[[Tzannis Tzannetakis]] (1927–2010), politician and former [[List of Prime Ministers of Greece|Prime Minister of Greece]]

==International relations==
{{See also|List of twin towns and sister cities in Greece}}
Gytheio is [[Twin towns and sister cities|twinned]] with:
*{{flagicon|FRA}} [[Villeneuve-lès-Avignon]], [[France]]

== Notes ==
{{cnote|Roman Gythium|Pausanias has left us a description of the town as it existed in the reign of Marcus Aurelius, the agora, the Acropolis, the island of Cranae (Marathonisi) where Paris celebrated his nuptials with Helen of Troy, the Migonium or precinct of Aphrodite Migonitis (occupied by the modern town), and the hill Larysium (Koumaro) rising above it. The numerous remains extant, of which the theatre and the buildings partially submerged by the sea are the most noteworthy, all belong to the Roman period.<ref>[[#Pausanias|Pausanias]] [https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/cgi-bin/ptext?lookup=Paus.+3.21.5 3.21.5]</ref>}}

== Citations ==
{{reflist}}

== Sources ==
=== Primary ===
* [[Livy]], translated by Henry Bettison, (1976). Rome and the Mediterranean. London: Penguin Classics. {{ISBN|0-14-044318-5}}.
* [[Pausanias (geographer)|Pausanias]], translated by W.H.S Jones, (1918). Pausanias Description of Greece. London: Harvard University Press. {{ISBN|0-14-044362-2}}.
* [[Polybius]], translated by Frank W. Walbank, (1979). The Rise of the Roman Empire. New York: Penguin Classics. {{ISBN|0-14-044362-2}}.

=== Secondary ===
* Collitz-Bechtel, Sammlung d. griech. Dialekt-Inschriften, iii. Nos. 4562-4573; British School Annual, x. 179 foll.
* [[Paul Cartledge]] and Antony Spawforth, (2002). Hellenistic and Roman Sparta: A tale of two cities. London: Routledge. {{ISBN|0-415-26277-1}}
* E. Curtius, Peloponnesos, ii. 267 foll. Inscriptions: Le Bas-Foucart, Voyage archéologique, ii. Nos. 238-248 f.
* [[Patrick Leigh Fermor]], (1984). ''[[Mani: Travels in the Southern Peloponnese]]''. London: Penguin. {{ISBN|0-14-011511-0}}
* Peter Greenhalgh and Edward Eliopoulos, (1985). Deep into Mani:Journey to the southern tip of Greece. London: Trinity Press {{ISBN|0-571-13524-2}}
* [[Peter Green (historian)|Peter Green]], (1990). Alexander to Actium: The Historical Evolution of the Hellenistic Age, (2nd edition). Los Angeles: University of California Press. {{ISBN|0-500-01485-X}}.
* Rosemary Hall, Paul Hellander, Corinne Simcock and David Willet. Lonely Planet: Greece. Singapore: SNP Printing Pte Ltd. {{ISBN|0-86442-527-9}}
* Kyriakos Kassis, (1979). Mani's History. Athens: Presoft
* [[William Leake]], Travels in the Morea, i. 244 foll.
* Maria Mavromataki, (2001). 8,500 Years of Civilization: Greece: Between Legend and History. Athens: Haïtalis. {{ISBN|960-8284-01-5}}
* {{EB1911 |wstitle=Gythium |volume=12 |page=779 |first=Marcus Niebuhr |last=Tod |author-link=Marcus Niebuhr Tod}}
* G. Weber, De Gytheo et Lacedaemoniorum rebus navalibus (Heidelberg, 1833)

==External links==
* {{commons category inline}}

{{Geographic location
|Centre    = Gytheio 
|North     = [[Sminos]]
|Northeast = [[Krokees]]
|East      = ''[[Laconian Gulf]]''
|Southeast = 
|South     = [[East Mani]]
|Southwest = [[Oitylo]]
|West      = [[Lefktro]]
|Northwest = 
}}

{{East Mani div}}
{{Prefectures and provinces of Greece}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Populated places in Laconia]]
[[Category:East Mani]]
[[Category:Mediterranean port cities and towns in Greece]]
[[Category:Populated places in the Mani Peninsula]]
[[Category:Provinces of Greece]]
[[Category:Cities in ancient Peloponnese]]