Taenarum orTainaron (Ταίναρον) orTaenarus orTainaros (Ταίναρος), was anAncient Greek settlement in the region ofLaconia on theMani Peninsula in the southern extreme of thePeloponnese. It was situated 40stadia (5 miles (8.0 km)) north of Cape Tainaron, which is today calledCape Matapan.[1][2] The name is sometimesanglicized asTenarus.
Taenarum was significant inGreek mythology. A nearby cavern was considered the entrance to theGreek underworld and the opening through whichHeracles draggedCerberus into the realm ofHades andOrpheus ledEurydice. Modern-day writers[vague] have used the word "Tenarus" as ametonym for the underworld itself.[3][better source needed]
Taenarum was famous for a greenmarble that was much-prized in the ancient world, and for the "Marmor Taenarium" marble which was valued for its red and black highlights.[4]
It was also a major source of theMurex sea snail used to produceTyrian purple dye, a luxury item.[citation needed]
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This article incorporates text from a publication now in thepublic domain: Smith, William, ed. (1854–1857). "Taenarum".Dictionary of Greek and Roman Geography. London: John Murray.
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36°24′06″N22°29′12″E / 36.401551°N 22.4866293°E /36.401551; 22.4866293
