Leukas

Leukas is situated opposite northwestern Akarnania. Its name derives from the hero Leukadios, son of Ikaros, and the cape Leukata, at the southern part of the island. Archaeological evidence from the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age is, so far, limited. Homer referred to Leukas by the name Nirikos ( Od . 24.376–78). During the reign of the tyrant Kypselos (657–625 BCE ; Strabo 10.2.8), the Corinthians established a new colony on the northeastern part of the island. The city was fortified by a circuit wall. The Corinthians opened the narrow channel between Leukas and Akarnania ( dioryktos ) to be navigable in order to protect their ships along the sea routes to western colonies. Leukas benefited from the Corinthian trade and soon became an important retail station by exporting its own wine, oil, and famous perfumed oil (Plin. HN 21–42). Leukas issued numerous silver and bronze coins from the fifth to the first century BCE .

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