Cynaetha or Kynaitha (Ancient Greek: Κύναιθα or ἡ Κύναιθα), or Cynaethae or Kynaithai (Κύναιθαι), was a town in the north of ancient Arcadia, situated upon the northern slope of the Aroanian Mountains, which divided its territory from those of Cleitor and Pheneus.
The same author observes that the character of the Cynaethians presented a striking contrast to that of the other Arcadians, being a wicked and cruel race, and so much disliked by the rest of their countrymen, that the latter would scarcely hold any intercourse with them.
He attributes their depravity to their neglect of music, which had tended to humanize the other Arcadians, and to counteract the natural rudeness engendered by their climate.
[3] Although Strabo mentions Cynaetha as one of the Arcadian towns no longer existing in his time,[4] it must have been restored at some period after its destruction by the Aetolians, as it was visited by Pausanias, who noticed in the agora altars of the gods, a sanctuary of Dionysus, and a statue of the emperor Hadrian.
At the distance of two stadia from the town was a fountain of cold water, called Alyssus (Άλυσσος), because it was said to cure rabies.