Dictionary of Greek and Roman Geography/Iardanus (1)

by William Smith

IA'RDANUS (Ἰάρδανος), a river on the N. coast of Crete, near the banks of which the Cydonians dwelt. (Hom. Od. iii. 292.) It is identified with the rapid stream of the Plataniá, which rises in the White Mountains, and, after flowing between the Rhizite villages of Thériso and Láki or Lákus, runs through a valley formed by low hills, and filled with lofty platanes; from which it obtains its name. The river of Plataniá falls into the sea, nearly opposite the islet of Hághios Theódhoros, where there is good anchorage. (Pashley, Trav. vol. ii. p. 22; Höck, Kreta, vol. i. pp. 23, 384.) [ E. B. J. ]