Mavroneri, Ancient river in Kalavryta Municipality, Greece
Mavroneri is a river running through the Aroania Mountains in Kalavryta Municipality, in the Peloponnese region of Greece. It carves through a rocky gorge and forms a waterfall near the ancient site of Nonakris.
Ancient writers, including Pausanias, described the waters of Mavroneri as deadly and associated them with the mythological River Styx, where the gods swore their oaths. The nearby ancient settlement of Nonakris gave the site its place in the classical world.
The name Mavroneri means "black water" in Greek, which reflects the dark appearance of the river. Today visitors come to see the gorge and the dramatic rock face over which the water falls, rather than to approach the river itself.
The water of the Mavroneri is toxic and should not be touched or approached closely. The waterfall and the surrounding rocky landscape can be seen from the nearby paths without any need to enter the riverbed.
Ancient accounts claim that the water could only be carried in a mule's hoof, as it was said to dissolve any other container. Some ancient sources even linked this water to the death of Alexander the Great, suggesting it was used to poison him.
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