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Mount Taygetus, also known as Taygetos, is a mountain range in the southern Peloponnese, Greece.
It stretches along the border between Laconia and Messenia and is the highest mountain in the Peloponnese, with its peak, known as Profitis Ilias, reaching an elevation of 2,407 meters (7897 feet).
The mountain is characterized by its steep slopes, deep gorges, and rugged terrain, making it a dominant feature in the landscape of the region.
Associated with the Nymph Taygete
Mount Taygetus is named after the nymph Taygete, one of the Pleiades in Greek mythology.
According to the myth, Taygete was pursued by Zeus, and to escape him, she was transformed into a doe by the goddess Artemis.
The mountain was considered sacred to Artemis, the goddess of the hunt, and it was a place where the nymphs, including Taygete, were believed to reside.
The Legend of Sparta
The mountain is also closely associated with ancient Sparta.
The Spartans would abandon weak or deformed infants on the slopes of Mount Taygetus, a practice known as “exposure.”
This practice was meant to ensure that only the strongest and healthiest individuals would survive to become warriors, reflecting the harsh and disciplined nature of Spartan society.
Spartan Training Ground
Mount Taygetus was integral to the military culture of ancient Sparta. The mountain’s rugged terrain provided an ideal training ground for Spartan warriors, who were known for their endurance and toughness.
The Spartans used the mountain’s challenging environment to train their young men in survival skills, contributing to their reputation as the most formidable soldiers in ancient Greece.
The Transformation of Taygete
Another key myth is the story of Taygete, the nymph after whom the mountain is named. Her transformation into a doe by Artemis reflects the mountain’s sacred connection to the goddess of the hunt and the natural world.
