Ancient Troezen

• Jan 19, 2016
• 9080 Views
• CultureArcheology

The archaeological site of ancient Troezen, homeland of mythical Thiseas, extends across a green land 3km away from the port of the town. It was the place where Phaedra and Hippolitus fell in love. At the site we find the ruins of the temple of Hippolitus founded by Diomedes and the buildings and the precinct constructed in the late 4th century or the early 3rd century B.C. over an ancient building. There are also ruins of ancient sanctuaries, walls, Phaedra’s monument, the Agora, the stadium and other buildings. All the findings are displayed in the museums of Poros and Athens.

Surrounded by walls descending from the ancient citadel, the ruins of ancient Troezen, amidst olive groves and trees, are located to the west of the modern town of Trizina, on the northern slopes of mount Aderes, in a plain between two ravines. According to mythology, Troezene was the homeland of Theseus.

Its first king was Orus who passed his kingdom down to his grandson Althepus, son of Poseidon. After the reign of many kings, the kingdom came under the power of Pittheus, grandfather of Theseus who named the region Troezen after his dead brother, Troezen. The region is connected to the son of Theseus, Hippolitus. The second wife of Theseus, Phaedra fell in love with her young stepson and defamed him to his father. Hippolitus was killed by Poseidon following an order of Theseus. The worship of Hippolitus was connected to the worship of Asclepius. Asclepius brought Hippolitus back to life after request of Artemis. The sanctuary of Hippolitus is 800m away from the agora and it extends to 4000m². It was founded by Diomedes outside the walls of ancient Troezene because he had been saved from the bad weather when he was returning from Troy. The sanctuary’s precinct and buildings were built in the late 4th or early 3rd century B.C. around an older place of worship as indicated by the ceramic and pottery shards found on the site. It was a peripteral sanctuary with cella (inner shrine), pronaos (fore temple) and opisthonaos (rear temple).

According to relevant inscriptions found on the site, a sanctuary of Asclepius was situated in the shrine. The remains of a spring and the foundation of other buildings, such as treatment rooms attest to the existence of the Asclepius sanctuary. The good climate of the region and the clean water led to the creation of such a sanatorium, which was however outshined by the Asclepius sanctuary in Epidaurus. The earthquake caused by the volcanic eruption of Methana in the 3rd century B.C. played a decisive role to the temple’s decline. The buildings were then destroyed and they were rebuilt during the Roman age. However, after the predominance of Christianity, the ancient material was used for the construction of churches. The Diocese church in the same area is considered a good example. It is an old Christian church dating back to the 6th century A.D. Apart from these monuments, the visitor can see ruins of the walls and of the monument of Phaedra, the Agora on the foot of the mountain, remains of ancient temples such as the temple of Venus of Kataskopia (espionage), of Artemis Sotiros (saver), Athena Sthenia and Zeus Sotiros (saver) and the ruins of the stadium and the theatre. The visitors will be amazed by a fortified tower, known as “the Palace of Theseus”, which was built in the 5th century but also has medieval elements. The ruins of a Roman building stand on the south of this tower, which is considered to be the Temple of the Muses. Among the findings at the site are gravestones, capitals, ceramic vessels and pottery, figurines, two statuettes and amphoras exposed at present at the Arcaelogical museum of Poros and the National Archaeological museum of Athens.

Source: www.mythicalpeloponnese.gr

Posts for Argolida

Athens and Epidaurus Festival

• Jun 23,2016

What is the Athens Festival? A great celebration that has lasted 56 summers, and that has hosted some of the leading lights of theatre, music and dance. From Mitropoulos and Callas to Rostropovich, Pavarotti, Leonidas Kavakos and Dimitris Sgouros. From Theodorakis and Hadjidakis to Savvopoulos, Protopsalti, Dalaras and Marinella. From Rondiris and Koun to Streller, Peter Hall, Noh theatre, Bunraku... read more

Open Sea Sailing Races

• Jan 20,2016

The Nautical Club of New Epidaurus and the Nautical Sports Club of Peace and Friendship organize every June a sailing race in the deep blue sea of New Epidaurus and the Argosaronic Gulf. The Open Sea Sailing Race “Epidaurus” is so vivid, passionate and intense that it will definitely move you. Come to the beautiful port of New Epidaurus and give a very warm applaud to the contestants in a great... read more

Frachthi cave

• Jan 20,2016

Frachthi cave is a world famous monument situated at the wild rocky mountain opposite the village Koilada. Excavations brought to light numerous findings among which the oldest human skeleton attesting its continuous occupation for more than 20.000 years. Walk through the beach Lampagianna, climb to the cave and enjoy the view. The world famous Frachthi cave is located next to the sea, opposite... read more

Port of Porto Heli

• Jan 20,2016

You can dock your boat at the beautiful and windless port of Porto Heli and enjoy your stay in this cosmopolitan location. The bay is full of yachts and cabin cruisers savoring the warmth of this charming bay. The cosmopolitan town of Porto Heli is one of the most famous summer tourist destinations in Argolida. Its port is located in a closed and protected gulf that protects the boats from wind.... read more

Thermisia Lagoon

• Jan 19,2016

Thermisia lagoon is an important habitat of rare migratory birds. It is a serene and unique lagoon surrounded by a breathtaking landscape. Located in the picturesque village of Thermisia, to the east of Ermioni, the lagoon took its name from some hot springs that existed in the area. The Greek traveler Pausanias mentions a temple dedicated to Demeter Thermasia. This magnificent lagoon was used as a salt... read more

Epidaurus Festival

• Jan 19,2016

Every year since 1995, the “Epidaurus Festival” is organized, offering the visitor the opportunity to watch various performances at the imposing ancient theater of Epidaurus. So if you love ancient drama, you must visit this picturesque theater especially on a cool Friday or Saturday night under the moonlight. While it gets dark, you will be able to enjoy the amazing lyrics of the ancient dramatists... read more

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Mycenae

• Jan 19, 2016
• 6075 Views
• CultureArcheology

Mycenae, Homer’s Rich in Gold town, is located between two conical hills. According to the tradition it was founded by Perseas whose dynasty lasted three generations. After them, Mycenae was reined by the family of Atreus and it was during their rule that most of the monuments were built. Their decline started in the 12th century. The town was then occupied by the Dorians and after them it was conquered by Argos (468 B.C.). By the 2nd century B.C. Mycenae was ruined. The visitors will admire the “Lion Gate”, the “cyclopean walls”, the Atreus Palace” the Grave Circles A and B, the famous “Treasure of Atreus”, the “tholos tomb of Clytaemnestra” and many other constructions which will transfer visitors to mythical and glorious days.

The Rich in Gold Acropolis of Mycenae is located in a strategic position, 10km outside the town of Argos, on the old national road to Corinth, burried in a rocky mountain barrow between two conical hills, Profitis Ilias and Sara.

Video by fabdrone

Perseus, son of Zeus and Danai, daughter of Akrisios, king of Argos and descendant of Danaos, is traditionally considered as its mythical founder. The dynasty of Persides was followed by Electrion, Sthenelon, son of Perseus and then by Eurystheas who was killed in an expedition. The place was then occupied by Atreus and Thiestis, descendents of Pelops. It was here that Agamemnon, son of Atreus, gathered all the Greeks that sacked Troy and spread the fame of Mycenae all over the world. Many tragic poets were inspired by the glory and the drama of this generation. The glory of Mycenae lasted until 1100 B.C. when the Dorians occupied Peloponnesus. The destruction continued in the subsequent centuries and in 468 B.C. Argos conquered the acropolis. In 150 B.C. the town was probably fully abandoned.

For many centuries this glorious land existed only in the imagination of poetry lovers. In 1876 Heinrich Schliemann, consulting the Homeric poems, began excavating and uncovered the palaces of Atreides and the brilliant Mycenaean civilization that dominated during 1600-1100B.C. Most of the monuments discovered belong to the Late Bronze Age between 1350-1200 B.C. However the site was first occupied in the Mesolithic period.

At present the site hosts many impressive constructions. The visitors can follow the steps of Atreus and admire the “Lion Gate”, where two rampant lions are carved in stone relief, surrounded by the imposing “cyclopean walls”. At the main site one can see the well preserved royal courtyard, the main palace of Atreus and a series of constructions- probably private houses. The archeological findings at the site suggest a close relation between the Minoan and the Mycenaean art. Frescos and mosaic decorations belong to the Cretan Minoan artifacts. In a few meters further one can visit the remains of the Grave Circle A and outside the walls, to the west of the Lion Gate, the Grave Circle B with its 24 tombs, 14 of which are royal.

The underground cistern and the North Gate are of a great importance, too. The Treasury of Atreus is located at the site where golden objects were found, as well as the famous mask of Atreus. In a small distance lies the sevre Grave of Clytemnistra and the Grave of Aigisthos.

All of these monuments along with many other constructions make up the sights in the place where Homer’s greatest of men used to walk.

Source: www.mythicalpeloponnese.gr

Posts for Argolida

Athens and Epidaurus Festival

• Jun 23,2016

What is the Athens Festival? A great celebration that has lasted 56 summers, and that has hosted some of the leading lights of theatre, music and dance. From Mitropoulos and Callas to Rostropovich, Pavarotti, Leonidas Kavakos and Dimitris Sgouros. From Theodorakis and Hadjidakis to Savvopoulos, Protopsalti, Dalaras and Marinella. From Rondiris and Koun to Streller, Peter Hall, Noh theatre, Bunraku... read more

Open Sea Sailing Races

• Jan 20,2016

The Nautical Club of New Epidaurus and the Nautical Sports Club of Peace and Friendship organize every June a sailing race in the deep blue sea of New Epidaurus and the Argosaronic Gulf. The Open Sea Sailing Race “Epidaurus” is so vivid, passionate and intense that it will definitely move you. Come to the beautiful port of New Epidaurus and give a very warm applaud to the contestants in a great... read more

Frachthi cave

• Jan 20,2016

Frachthi cave is a world famous monument situated at the wild rocky mountain opposite the village Koilada. Excavations brought to light numerous findings among which the oldest human skeleton attesting its continuous occupation for more than 20.000 years. Walk through the beach Lampagianna, climb to the cave and enjoy the view. The world famous Frachthi cave is located next to the sea, opposite... read more

Port of Porto Heli

• Jan 20,2016

You can dock your boat at the beautiful and windless port of Porto Heli and enjoy your stay in this cosmopolitan location. The bay is full of yachts and cabin cruisers savoring the warmth of this charming bay. The cosmopolitan town of Porto Heli is one of the most famous summer tourist destinations in Argolida. Its port is located in a closed and protected gulf that protects the boats from wind.... read more

Thermisia Lagoon

• Jan 19,2016

Thermisia lagoon is an important habitat of rare migratory birds. It is a serene and unique lagoon surrounded by a breathtaking landscape. Located in the picturesque village of Thermisia, to the east of Ermioni, the lagoon took its name from some hot springs that existed in the area. The Greek traveler Pausanias mentions a temple dedicated to Demeter Thermasia. This magnificent lagoon was used as a salt... read more

Epidaurus Festival

• Jan 19,2016

Every year since 1995, the “Epidaurus Festival” is organized, offering the visitor the opportunity to watch various performances at the imposing ancient theater of Epidaurus. So if you love ancient drama, you must visit this picturesque theater especially on a cool Friday or Saturday night under the moonlight. While it gets dark, you will be able to enjoy the amazing lyrics of the ancient dramatists... read more

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Ancient Asine

• Jan 19, 2016
• 7475 Views
• CultureArcheology

The charming and mystic acropolis of Ancient Asine is situated a few kilometers away from Tolo. It is built on a rocky hill called Kastraki, and it has a view to the sea. It was praised by Homer and other great poets and it became known worldwide by Seferis when he was awarded the Nobel Prize. The walls of the acropolis and the tower date back to the Hellenistic Era.

The excavations documented that the site was occupied for many centuries and they brought to light the great Mycenaean cemetery of Barbouna on the hill bearing the same name. A ceramic face mask of the King of Asine was discovered among the other findings.

Next to the cosmopolitan town of Tolo, the acropolis of Ancient Asine lies suspended on a huge rock 52 meters tall and 330 meters long overlooking the coastal roads. A few meters towards the west lies another archaeological site, the Mycenaean necropolis of the Barbouna hill. This land was praised by many poets. Homer exalted its naval power and the grandeur of its almighty King. Its fame reached the whole world when Greek poet Seferis was awarded the Nobel Prize.

Ancient Asine was inhabited for many centuries. Its king participated in the Trojan War with a great naval power. In 1104 B.C. it was conquered by the Dorians who merged with the local population and created a powerful kingdom. However, in 740 B.C. it was destroyed by the Argians who put an end to its prosperity. The citizens of Asine left the town and settled in Messinia. There they founded the new town of Asine (Koroni). The town started regaining its past glory. The cyclopean walls and the tower date back to that period (3rd century B.C.), but in the subsequent centuries they were modified by the Byzantines, the Venetians and the Italians.

The excavations carried out between 1922 and 1930 were continued in the 70s and they document the continuous occupation of the town. They brought to light ruins of buildings and vases of the early Helladic, middle Helladic, Mycenaean, Geometric, Archaic and Hellenistic periods as well as the cemetery of Barbouna with the tombs of its mythical heroes. The offerings found document the commercial relations between Asine and other towns of the Aegean and Crete as well as the habits of its citizens. Among the findings, a ceramic funerary mask that is thought to belong to the “Ruler of Asine”. It is exposed in the Archaeological Museum of Nafplion.

Source: www.mythicalpeloponnese.gr

Posts for Argolida

Athens and Epidaurus Festival

• Jun 23,2016

What is the Athens Festival? A great celebration that has lasted 56 summers, and that has hosted some of the leading lights of theatre, music and dance. From Mitropoulos and Callas to Rostropovich, Pavarotti, Leonidas Kavakos and Dimitris Sgouros. From Theodorakis and Hadjidakis to Savvopoulos, Protopsalti, Dalaras and Marinella. From Rondiris and Koun to Streller, Peter Hall, Noh theatre, Bunraku... read more

Open Sea Sailing Races

• Jan 20,2016

The Nautical Club of New Epidaurus and the Nautical Sports Club of Peace and Friendship organize every June a sailing race in the deep blue sea of New Epidaurus and the Argosaronic Gulf. The Open Sea Sailing Race “Epidaurus” is so vivid, passionate and intense that it will definitely move you. Come to the beautiful port of New Epidaurus and give a very warm applaud to the contestants in a great... read more

Frachthi cave

• Jan 20,2016

Frachthi cave is a world famous monument situated at the wild rocky mountain opposite the village Koilada. Excavations brought to light numerous findings among which the oldest human skeleton attesting its continuous occupation for more than 20.000 years. Walk through the beach Lampagianna, climb to the cave and enjoy the view. The world famous Frachthi cave is located next to the sea, opposite... read more

Port of Porto Heli

• Jan 20,2016

You can dock your boat at the beautiful and windless port of Porto Heli and enjoy your stay in this cosmopolitan location. The bay is full of yachts and cabin cruisers savoring the warmth of this charming bay. The cosmopolitan town of Porto Heli is one of the most famous summer tourist destinations in Argolida. Its port is located in a closed and protected gulf that protects the boats from wind.... read more

Thermisia Lagoon

• Jan 19,2016

Thermisia lagoon is an important habitat of rare migratory birds. It is a serene and unique lagoon surrounded by a breathtaking landscape. Located in the picturesque village of Thermisia, to the east of Ermioni, the lagoon took its name from some hot springs that existed in the area. The Greek traveler Pausanias mentions a temple dedicated to Demeter Thermasia. This magnificent lagoon was used as a salt... read more

Epidaurus Festival

• Jan 19,2016

Every year since 1995, the “Epidaurus Festival” is organized, offering the visitor the opportunity to watch various performances at the imposing ancient theater of Epidaurus. So if you love ancient drama, you must visit this picturesque theater especially on a cool Friday or Saturday night under the moonlight. While it gets dark, you will be able to enjoy the amazing lyrics of the ancient dramatists... read more

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