Cnidus

Ancient city in Caria, southwestern Asia Minor, founded by early Greek colonists. An important commercial centre, it was built partly on the mainland and partly on an island, the two being connected by a causeway which formed a double harbour. It was off Cnidus that the Athenian admiral Conon defeated the Spartan fleet 394 BC.

Excavations at Cnidus revealed a colossal marble lion (now in the British Museum) which may have been made to commemorate Conon's victory. The temple of Aphrodite at Cnidus contained a statue of the goddess by the Greek sculptor Praxiteles. Cnidus was the birthplace of the astronomer Eudoxus. Cnidus exported a famous wine.