The Koinon (or "League" from Greek: κοινόν) of Free Laconians was established in 21 BC by the Emperor Augustus,[1] giving formal structure to a group of cities that had been associated for almost two centuries.
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The Eleutherolakones (Ἐλευθερολάκωνες, free Laconians) are first mentioned in 195 BC, after Sparta's defeat in the Roman-Spartan War. The Roman general Titus Quinctius Flaminius placed several coastal cities of the Mani Peninsula under the protection of the Achean League, freeing them from Spartan hegemony. The most important of its cities was Gythium. A few years later, in 192 BC, Gythium was recaptured by Nabis of Sparta, but the Achean League immediately liberated the city. The city of Las was attacked and captured by the Spartans. The Achean League retaliated and freed Las and captured Sparta.
The highest officer in the Union was the general who was assisted by the treasurer. At its height the koinon consisted of 24 cities; however, the number decreased to 18.[2] The koinon continued to exist into the second half of the 3rd century AD, as is demonstrated by the coins and inscriptions of its member states. It continued until 297 AD when the Emperor Diocletian reformed the provincial administration.
According to Pausanias, the members of the koinon were:[3]
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