Strabo Geography 8.6.1

[1] After Maleae follows the Argolic Gulf, and then the Hermionic Gulf; the former stretches as far as Scyllaeum, facing approximately eastward and towards the Cyclades, while the latter is more to the east than the former and extends as far as Aegina and Epidauria. Now the first places on the Argolic Gulf are occupied by Laconians, and the rest by the Argives. Among the places belonging to the Laconians is Delium, which is sacred to Apollo and bears the same name as the place in Boeotia; ¹ and also Minoa, a stronghold, which has the same name as the place in Megaris; and Epidaurus Limera, ² as Artemidorus says. But Apollodorus observes that this Epidaurus Limera is near Cythera, and that, because it has a good harbor, it was called “Limenera,” which was abbreviated and contracted to “Limera,” so that its name has been changed. Immediately after sailing from Maleae the Laconian coast is rugged for a considerable distance, but still it affords anchoring places and harbors. The rest of the coast is well provided with harbors; and off the coast lie many small islands, but they are not worth mentioning.

[1] AFTER Malae follow the Argolic and Hermionic Gulfs; the former extends as far as Scyllaeum, ¹ it looks to the east, and towards the Cyclades; ² the latter lies still more towards the east than the former, reaching Aegina and the Epidaurian territory. ³ The Laconians occupy the first part of the Argolic Gulf, and the Argives the rest. Among the places occupied by the Laconians are Delium, ⁴ a temple of Apollo, of the same name as that in Boeotia; Minoa, a fortress of the same name as that in Megara; and according to Artemidorus, Epidaurus Limera; ⁵ Apollodorus, however, places it near Cythera, ⁶ and having a convenient harbour, ( λιμὴν, limen,) it was called Limenera, which was altered by contraction to Limera. A great part of the coast of Laconia, beginning immediately from Malae, is rugged. It has however shelters for vessels, and harbours. The remainder of the coast has good ports; there are also many small islands, not worthy of mention, lying in front of it.