Ithome 2.73

Mount Ithome or Ithomi, previously Vourkano or Voulcano, is the northernmost of twin peaks in Messenia, Greece. Mount Ithome rises to about 800m, about 760m over Valyra, the seat of Ithomi, the former municipality. The other peak is Mount Eva, 700m, connected to Mount Ithomi by a thin ridge 0.80km long.Mount Ithome is 25km north of Kalamata on the Gulf of Messenia, 60km east of Pylos, seat of Bronze Age Messenia, and 20km north of Messini, modern namesake of ancient Messene, nestled under the cliffs of Mount Ithome. From the top the whole valley of the Pamisos river can be viewed eastward to Mount Taygetus and southward to the Gulf of Messenia. The site is highly defensible and yet off the main road; in this case, the Kalamata-Pylos road.EtymologyIthomeLike most ancient names the etymology of Ithome is not certain. It is also the name of a place in Thessaly, although Reece notes evidence that the one in Thessaly was originally called Thome.VurkanoThe pre-independence name Vurcano has had many variants: Vourkano, Voulkanos, Vulcano, Voucano, Boulcano, Dorkano, Voulkani, etc. The name is not Greek. Its provenience, meaning and time of assignment are not known, like those of Morea. Ties to Vulcan or Volcano do not fit the geology. Ithome is not volcanic, evidences no volcanic deposits and its springs are not hot; in fact, they are known for their refreshing clarity and coolness.