Lakonia, Gythium
Caracalla 197-217 CE
Ae 22mm 4.2g 9h
Obv: MAΡ AYΡ ANTΩNEINOC. Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: ΓYΘEATωN. Dioscuroi standing facing, heads turned to each other, each holding the bridle of his horse; above star and crescent.
BCD Peloponnesos 973 var; Horsky Coll. 993; Gress 489. NCP p. 62 No. 7
Gythium was the seaport for Ancient Sparta. Even in modern times its location is strategic, and it featured heavily in history.
In mythology, Helen and Paris spent their first night together at the island of Kranai, just off the coast from Gythium. Much later, the Spartan fleet was headquartered there, and thus the city was often attacked by Sparta‘s enemies, when they dared invade Lakonia.
In the 4th century CE, it appears to have been destroyed by an earthquake. Its ancient theater continues to be used occasionally.