Asine (Laconia)

Asine was an ancient coastal town in Laconia, Greece, situated on a promontory on the eastern side of the Laconian Gulf, near the modern village of Skoutari. It is one of several ancient Greek settlements bearing the name Asine.

Its history is primarily known through references in ancient literature, most notably in Homer's Iliad, where Asine is listed as one of the cities that sent ships to fight in the Trojan War under the leadership of Menelaus. This suggests that Asine was a significant settlement during the Mycenaean period.

Later, Asine came under the control of Sparta. The accounts of Pausanias, a Greek traveler and writer of the 2nd century AD, provide further details. Pausanias mentions that the inhabitants of Asine were driven out by the Spartans and re-settled in Messenia. This expulsion occurred sometime before his visit and was reportedly due to the Asineans' support for the enemies of Sparta.

The location of ancient Asine is identifiable through archaeological remains. Ruins of the ancient city, including walls and building foundations, can still be observed at the site near Skoutari. The site has not been extensively excavated, leaving much of its history and layout still to be fully understood. Therefore, information about its daily life, governance, and economic activities remains limited.