Spalathra

39°11′25″N 23°13′03″E

Map showing ancient Thessaly. Spalathra is shown to the far right on the Pagasetic Gulf.

Spalathra (Ancient Greek: Σπάλαθρα)^[1] or Spalauthra (Σπάλαυθρα),^[2] also called Spalethre (Σπαλέθρη)^[3] and Spalathron (Σπάλαθρον),^[3] was a town and polis (city-state)^[4] of Magnesia, in ancient Thessaly, upon the Pagasetic Gulf. It is conjectured that this town is meant by Lycophron,^[5] who describes Prothous, the leader of the Magnetes in the Iliad, as ὁ ἐκ Παλαύθρων (Σπαλαύθρων).^[6] The town is also mentioned in the Periplus of Pseudo-Scylax as a city in Magnesia, together with Iolcus, Coracae, Methone and Olizon.^[7]

The toponym is related to the Greek word "σπάλαθρον", meaning fire poker.^[8] Perhaps from the shape of the peninsula on which it sat.^[9]

Spalathra was located within the limits of modern Chorto.^[10][11]