Lycastus (Crete)

Lycastus was an ancient city in Crete, located in the south-central part of the island. Its precise location is debated, but it is generally believed to have been situated near the modern village of Lygaria, south of the Psiloritis (Mount Ida) range.

Lycastus is mentioned in ancient sources, including the works of Strabo and Ptolemy. It was a member of the Cretan League, a confederation of Cretan cities that existed from the 3rd century BC onwards. The city appears to have been of some importance during the Hellenistic and Roman periods, although it never achieved the prominence of Knossos or Gortyn.

Archaeological evidence from the area suggests that the site was inhabited from the Minoan period onwards, although the city's period of greatest prosperity was likely during the Hellenistic era. Limited excavations have revealed traces of buildings, walls, and other structures, but much of the site remains unexcavated.

Little is known about the specific history or political organization of Lycastus. Like other Cretan cities, it likely had its own assembly and magistrates, and its economy would have been based primarily on agriculture and trade. The city's connection to the Cretan League suggests that it participated in collective decision-making and defense efforts along with other Cretan cities.