The mountain Taygetos
Taygetos or Pentadaktylos, is the highest mountain range in the Peloponnese, stretching between the Megalopolis Basin - Euro and Messinia. The top has a height of 2,407 meters and is called Prophet Elias while in ancient times was calledTaletos.
The mountain range, from very early associated with ancient Greek mythology and took its name from Taygeti, one of the seven Atlantes or Pleiades daughters of Atlas and Plioni. According to another version of the myth, the Taygeti claimed to be wife of Lacedaemon. Also called and mother of Eurotas.
In Byzantine times, the mountain mentioned by the name Pentadaktylos, while the Frankish period prevailed the name Meligou of Libra. During the Revolution of 1821, The mountain range regained the ancient name, Taygetos.
The mountain of Taygetos length 115 km, maximum width 30 km and area of 2,500 square kilometers, which is composed of four main parts: the north (towards Megalopolis), the average East (towards Sparta), the Western and Southern Taygetos with the mountains of the Mani. Its highest peak is called Prophet Elias, height 2,407 m and is located in the upper part of the site called Pyramid because of the characteristic shape.
Taygetos, consists mainly of limestone and marble and is quite rich in waters. The climate is generally continental, with heavy snowfall during the winter. Much of it is covered by pines and firs, and has a large number of small streams and rivers.
Presents a wide variety of flora and fauna due to its large area with only 25 endemic species and a passage for migratory birds.
On the slopes of the Taygetos are numerous small villages with great local color and operated mountain resort at a height of 1,600 meters.
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