GORTYNA or GORTYN, an important ancient city of Crete on the small river Lethaeus (Mitropolipotamo), about three hours distant from the south coast with which it communicated by two harbours, Metallum and Lebena. Near the town was the spring, overhung by an evergreen plane tree which in popular belief marked the scene of the amours of Zeus and Europa. Gortyna was, next to Cnossus, the largest and most powerful city of Crete, but neither slays a conspicuous part in the history of Greece. Under the Romans Gortyna became the metropolis of the island. Extensive ruins may be seen at the village of Hagii Deka, and the great inscription containing many of the ancient laws. The ruinous church of St. Titus dates from about the 4th century.
See also CRETE, and for a full account of the laws see GREEK LAW.