Mycenae
Naturally fortified citadel that oversees the Argolic gulf and the roads to the hinterland. It has been inhabited since the Neolithic era, but its heyday is the late Bronze Age, the so-called Mycenaean (1550 - 1100 BC). In the 17th - 16th c. BC the rich tombs of precinct B, located outside the citadel, date from In the 16th century BC belong the six pit tombs, which later (1250 BC) were incorporated into the walled acropolis (burial enclosure A). The cyclopean walls, 900 m long, were made of large blocks and were built in three phases, between 1350 - 1200 BC. They have two gates, the northern smaller one and the monumental "Lion gate" with the megalithic anophi. On top of the hill was the luxurious frescoed palace and to the NE. extended laboratory complexes, houses and a cyclopean tunnel to the underground reservoir. In the lower parts of the acropolis, the religious center (13th century BC) and a few private houses. Outside the acropolis, quarters of houses, dense clusters of chambers and nine vaulted tombs (15th - 14th centuries BC), of which the monumental "Treasure of Atreus" stands out, which is the most perfect and perfectly preserved example of a vaulted tomb ( 1250 BC). The citadel was destroyed by fire around 1100 BC, but the area continued to be inhabited. which is the most complete and perfectly preserved example of a vaulted tomb (1250 BC). The citadel was destroyed by fire around 1100 BC, but the area continued to be inhabited. which is the most complete and perfectly preserved example of a vaulted tomb (1250 BC). The citadel was destroyed by fire around 1100 BC, but the area continued to be inhabited.
From Mycenae comes a large number of objects of high art and technique and tablets of Linear B writing, which are exhibited in the National Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Nafplion. It was built on the ruins of the prehistoric acropolis in the 6th century. BC temple of Athena or Hera. An arched temple with a shelter and a prodrome of geometric times in the lower town.
Berbati
A small citadel on a fertile plain, near Mycenae. Production center of figurative pottery of the Mycenaean times (14th - 13th centuries BC), a good that was exported in large quantities throughout the Aegean and Cyprus. Important cemetery of chambered tombs of the same period.
Dentro
The cemetery of the Mycenaean acropolis of Midea. Chambers and a vaulted tomb (1500 - 1200 BC). The most important find is the bronze armor of a Mycenaean warrior, exhibited in the Archaeological Museum of Nafplion.
Midea
Important fortified Mycenaean acropolis, between Mycenae and Tiryns. Its strong cyclopean walls can only be compared to those of Mycenae and Tiryns. The city was developed in staggered ramparts, had prisons near its two gates, organized storehouses, workshops and wall-painted buildings. It was destroyed by fire and possibly by an earthquake around the end of the 13th century BC.
Heraeon of Argos
In Prosymna, one of the largest Mycenaean cemeteries of mainland Greece (16th - 13th centuries BC) was excavated, from which came a large number of offerings (vessels, weapons, jewelry) and important evidence for the burial customs of the Mycenaean era .
The official sanctuary initially of Mycenae and later of the city of Argos emerged as a religious center of the Argolic cities in general. It was dedicated to Hera, great goddess of Argolis, as goddess of nature.
Impressive ruins in an organized archaeological site. In the N., in a manor of the 8th c. BC, built in the 7th century BC one of the first Doric temples (today foundations and parts of the infrastructure). In the square, to the south, arcades, among which two of the earliest examples of the Doric style. In the sanctuary there was a restaurant of archaic times and a hypostyle hall, probably a place of execution for the mystical worship of the goddess. In the middle of the square of the sanctuary dominate the foundations of the newer Doric temple of Hera (late 5th century BC) with rich architectural and sculptural decoration that housed the famous seated golden elephant statue of the goddess, the work of the Argive coppersmith Polycleitos. Gymnasium and baths of Roman times in the west.
Argos
The acropolis (Aspis) was inhabited throughout the Bronze Age (3rd - 2nd millennium BC). An important Middle Helladic settlement (2000 - 1600 BC) has been identified. The numerous tombs in Deirada and the modern city indicate a thriving Mycenaean settlement (15th - 12th century BC).
The ancient city of Argos dominated Argolis at the beginning of the 1st millennium BC. as successor to Mycenae. Its ruins lie below the densely built-up city of today. It was destroyed at the end of the 4th century. A.D. from barbarian raids. City of mythical kings and heroes, such as Diomedes and Herakles, but also birthplace of the Macedonian royal family. In the citadel of Larissa, the polygonal wall of the 6th - 5th c. BC incorporated into the medieval fortress. Remains of the temples of Polias Athena and Larissa Zeus. Opposite, on the hill of ancient Deirada (today's Prophet Elias), ruins of the sanctuaries of Apollo Pythia and Athena Oxyderkous, archaic and mainly classical. The altar of Apollo partially carved into the rock and the monumental staircase can be clearly seen.
In the market of the city, the stone starting point of the stadium from the classical times is preserved. In the southern part of the city, a square building complex from the end of the 5th c. BC with a Doric portico towards the market square (turned into a gymnasium in the 1st century BC, and into a bathhouse in late Roman times). Square Nymphaeum of Roman times and a circular marble hero of the Corinthian style (1st century AD) which was also converted into a Nymphaeum in the 3rd century. A.D.
To the NA. at the foot of Larissa there is a sanctuary of Aphrodite in the ancient site of Aspis and a rectilinear theater of the 5th c. BC for gatherings of citizens that was converted into a semi-circular conservatory (2nd, 3rd century AD). Next to it is one of the largest theaters in Greece (20,000 spectators) partially carved into the rock (c. 300 BC). In the place of the sanctuary of Asklepios and Sarapidos (1st century AD) were built in the 2nd century. A.D. thermae, part of which is preserved at an impressive height. The street leading to the theater was in continuous use from the 6th century. e.g. until the 6th century A.D. To the north, a polygonal rampart of the 5th c. BC, also Nymphaeum of the 2nd c. A.D. connected to the city's aqueduct on the eastern side of Larissa. Important Archaeological Museum. Early Christian basilica with two phases (5th and 6th century) on the ruins of the temple of Apollo on the hill of Prophet Elias. Ruins of a large mansion, probably 6th c. At the junction of Korinthos and Zaimi streets, an early Christian cemetery with burial inscriptions. Building of the 6th - 7th century. on A. Hatzi Street. Early Christian mosaic floors decorated with personifications of the months and seasons, hunting scenes and a Dionysian tent are on display in the city's Archaeological Museum. At the site of Paliopyrga, 1 - 1.5 km from the ancient theater of Argos, remains of a building, of unspecified use, with mosaic floors from different periods (late 5th and 6th centuries). At the Alika site, between Argos and Heraion, ruins of a three-aisled Early Christian basilica (beginning of the 6th century). Early Christian mosaic floors decorated with personifications of the months and seasons, hunting scenes and a Dionysian tent are on display in the city's Archaeological Museum. At the site of Paliopyrga, 1 - 1.5 km from the ancient theater of Argos, remains of a building, of unspecified use, with mosaic floors from different periods (late 5th and 6th centuries). At the Alika site, between Argos and Heraion, ruins of a three-aisled Early Christian basilica (beginning of the 6th century). Early Christian mosaic floors decorated with personifications of the months and seasons, hunting scenes and a Dionysian tent are on display in the city's Archaeological Museum. At the site of Paliopyrga, 1 - 1.5 km from the ancient theater of Argos, remains of a building, of unspecified use, with mosaic floors from different periods (late 5th and 6th centuries). At the Alika site, between Argos and Heraion, ruins of a three-aisled Early Christian basilica (beginning of the 6th century).
The finds are exhibited at the local Archaeological Museum.
Lyrkeia or Lyrkion
On the Paliokastraki hill near the village of Kato Belesi, where a branch road from Argos leads, remains of a polygonal wall and pottery identify the site with the prehistoric city of Lyrkeia and the Lyrkion of historical times.
At Pigadakia site, ruins of an early Christian building, perhaps a basilica, decorated with mosaics.
Elliniko
site near the village of Kefalari in Argos with a ruined pyramidal tower of the 4th c. e.g.
Lerna
Important Neolithic site with continuous habitation (6500 - 3200 BC) and one of the largest centers of the Early Bronze Age with important architectural remains (2500 - 2200 BC). The first phase includes a street building with a hearth, which is surrounded by a fortified enclosure with towers, and the second phase the "House of Pottery", an elongated two-story building with corridors and balconies. The storage areas and the multitude of seals bear witness to an extensive network of trade relations. The house was destroyed by fire around 2200 - 2000 BC, the settlement, however, was inhabited during the middle and late Bronze Age (2000 - 1100 BC). The findings are exhibited in the Argos Museum.
Tiryns
Strong Mycenaean citadel, on a rocky hill. It has been inhabited since the latest Neolithic era (5th millennium BC). However, the first buildings (houses built around a circular building) date back to around 2500 BC. The massive cyclopean walls of the Mycenaean period (1400 - 1200 BC) enclose the upper, middle and lower acropolis and include sharp-pointed spires with storehouses, battlements and the western bastion, an outstanding defensive construction of the latter period. Cyclopean ramparts led through the main gate to the sumptuous, frescoed palace. The great palace had a circular hearth and a built pedestal for his throne intact. To the east, a smaller similar palace, to the west a bath with a stone floor, and all around courtyards, workshops and storehouses. The lower citadel included a quarter of houses, workshops and a sanctuary, and had two independent small gates and underground cisterns. Around the acropolis spread the city, which continued to be inhabited even after the earthquake that destroyed the acropolis around 1200 BC. Around the city there were cemeteries of vaulted and chambered tombs and a little further away a cyclopean mound had been built to protect against floods.
The palace of the Mycenaean palace was probably used as the residence of the local king at the beginning of the 1st millennium BC, while in the middle of the 8th c. BC a temple of Hera was built in this place. The prehistoric acropolis was used as a fortress in the 6th c. BC and the Hellenistic times, when its wall was also repaired. Worship of Zeus and Athena is witnessed epigraphically in the south from the prehistoric syringes of the wall. The findings are exhibited at the National Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Nafplio.
Nafplio
In the area of Nafplio, many chambered tombs from the Mycenaean era (1400 - 1100 BC) have been excavated.
Member of the Amphictyonia of Kalaureia in the 8th century BC. Naval power, destroyed in the 7th century BC from Argos, which succeeds her in the amphictyonia. Polygonal wall that they built around 300 BC. Argeioi is still preserved today under the medieval one, on the western side of Akronaflia, where there are also remains of Hellenistic houses. In the Archaeological Museum of Nafplio, housed in the Venetian arsenal of the early 18th century, antiquities from the wider region are exhibited.
Asini
Rocky citadel in the Argolic gulf near today's Tolo. An important site of the Middle Helladic, Mycenaean and Geometric eras, it flourished mainly during the 12th and 11th centuries BC. Rich cemeteries of chamber tombs of the Mycenaean era (1500 - 1100 BC). The findings are exhibited in the Nafplion Museum.
Area of the Greek tribe of Dryopi with the religious center of the sanctuary of Apollo Pythaeos or Pytheos (his remains in the church of the village of Lefkakia), already in the 8th century BC. Settlement from the 10th c. BC and a cemetery. The city was destroyed at the end of the 8th century BC from Argos. The wall visible today was built in the Hellenistic era.
Kandia
Mycenaean settlement with cyclopean wall. The hill has been continuously inhabited since the 3rd millennium BC, but especially between 1500 - 1100 BC, when it was abandoned, possibly after a fire.
Kazarma
The best preserved Mycenaean bridge, on the road that connected Mycenae, Tiryns and Epidaurus. Monumental construction, made of large stones according to the "cyclopean" system. It dates back to around 1300 BC. A rich vaulted tomb from the Mycenaean era (1500 - 1450 BC) was excavated in the area.
The neighboring acropolis was inhabited throughout the Bronze Age (3200 - 1100 BC). Fortress of the end of the 5th c. BC.
Ligourio / Lissa
The area was inhabited throughout the prehistoric period, as shown by sporadic finds (ceramics and tools).
On a hill above the current village, fortifications from the archaic and classical era. Outside the village at the foot of Mount Arachneos, ruins of a pyramidal tower from the 4th c.BC decorated externally with embossed shields.
Sanctuary of Apollo Maleata and Asclepius of Epidaurus
The Asclepius of Epidaurus was the most famous sanctuary of Asclepius in antiquity, with subsidiary sanctuaries in Athens, Kos and Rome. Official sanctuary of Epidaurus, religious and national center of Epidauria whose function goes back to the 6th century BC. Very closely connected with the originally Mycenaean sanctuary of Apollo Maleata, which was destroyed in the 1st c. BC. At the site of the sanctuary of Apollo Maleata, on the northern slope of Mount Kynorti, parts of a proto-Hellenic settlement (3rd millennium BC). Mycenaean summit sanctuary (1500 - 1200 BC), one of the few in the Greek area, is associated with outdoor worship activity.
In the sanctuary of Maleata, a monumental monument of the 3rd c. BC, it supports a portico, possibly a sleeping place (a place where the god appeared to the patients and indicated or performed their treatment), ruins of the classical temple in the place of the older archaic one, open-air altar, sacrificial urn of the Mycenaean and Roman times, built altar ( 4th century BC) in the square of the sanctuary and outdoor mosque of the Muses. The propylon of the sanctuary and an extensive complex outside its boundaries with a bath, fountain and reservoir belong to the Roman times. In the sanctuary of Asclepius, today an organized archaeological site that also includes the ancient theater, the ruined buildings of the 4th - 3rd centuries BC can be visited and Roman imperial times.
The main buildings are the Doric temple of Asclepius (its sculptural architectural decoration in the National Archaeological Museum), the arcade-shaped abattoir or "burial ground", the square complex of the 5th c. BC which surrounded the oldest relics of the cult of Apollo and Asclepius. Finally, the dome (thymeli), famous for the wealth of its architectural decoration, is a circular building with underground corridors-rings and with a combination of Ionic and Corinthian style. It was probably dedicated to the chthonic cult of Asclepius. It was probably the work of the younger Polykleitos, architect of the theater of the sanctuary and sculptor. Temples of Artemis, Aphrodite, Themis, Anakeio (sanctuary of the Dioscours), Epidoteon (sanctuary of the Epidote gods such as Sleep) and sanctuaries of Apollo and Asclepius, worshiped according to the Egyptian standard. Stadium with vaulted passage, palaestra, baths, thermal baths and library, arcades and shelter (guesthouse). Gymnasium or ceremonial restaurant with a monumental propylon, in the peristyle courtyard of which a conservatory was built in Roman times.
The theater on the northwestern slope of Kynorti with the best acoustics in antiquity (4th - 3rd and 2nd centuries BC), has been restored and is in use today. The monumental double doors in the passageways are characteristic. In the local Museum, which displays inscriptions, medical tools, sculptured votives, the bases of which abound in the sanctuary, and restored parts of the spires of the Propylaea and the temples of Asclepius and Artemis. Also on display is a Corinthian capital that served as a model for those of the Dome. East of the propylaea of the sanctuary of Asclepios, remains of a five-aisled basilica with a transversal aisle, a baptistery and additions (first half of the 5th century). Mosaic floor in the narthex with geometric decoration. Inside the temple of Asclepius, ruins of a house with mosaic floors (mid 5th c.).
Old Epidaurus / Epidaurus
Mycenaean chamber tombs (14th - 12th centuries BC) with a significant number of finds.
The ancient city of Epidaurus was the port of the country of Epidauria to the Aegean. He colonized Kos, Nisyros, Astypalaia and Aegina. Submerged port facilities are maintained.
In the citadel, a polygonal wall. Theater of the 4th - 3rd c. BC. Near the market place, houses from Roman times. On the hill west of the port, remains of a sanctuary of Artemis in operation since the archaic era.
In Old Epidaurus, on the Nissi peninsula, on the site of the ancient acropolis, ruins of a single-aisled, vaulted basilica dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Perhaps a fortress chapel of the 6th century.
Methana
The port of the ancient city is located on the coast of the current settlement of Megalo Chorio. Parts of the isostructural wall of the city and that of the acropolis are preserved.
Damalas / Troizena
A large Mycenaean vaulted tomb excavated in recent years. The location of the city indicates the interest in maritime communication with Attica.
It is connected with Athens by the hero Theseus. Few ruins of its wall remain, to the northwest of today's village of the same name, and a well-preserved tower. Ancient port of Pogon (Vida). Acropolis in the Kastro position, while the city stretches on the plain. Ancient foundations attributed to the temple of Artemis are located near the church of Agios Georgios. In the same area, the location of the city's official sanctuary, Apollo Theario. In the northwest of the ancient city, there are foundations of the sanctuary of the local hero Hippolytus, as well as a Doric pavilion temple and mosque, the western part of which served as the Asclepius thermal sanctuary. At the Lakkomata site, a three-aisled early Christian basilica with additions, probably an episcopal church. Beautiful mosaic floor from the second building phase (5th century), remains of orthomarbling and marble inlays.
Frachthi Cave
It was inhabited from the last phase of the Paleolithic to the end of the Neolithic era (7th - 4th millennium BC) and its name is synonymous with the most ancient trade route of the Aegean, that of Melian obsidian. In the area there is a sunken settlement of the Proto-Hellenic times (3rd millennium BC).
Masis
Building remains and a defense tower of historical times at the mouth of the bay.
Hermione
Remains of an archaic wall on the coast of the Hermione peninsula. The port of the ancient city was located in the northern smallest bay of the peninsula. To the east of the peninsula there are foundations of the pavilion temple of Poseidon (the most important cult of the city) or Athena of the early classical period. West of Pron hill on Mount Kokyion (Prophet Ilias), sanctuary of Zeus. On Miaouli street, next to the Primary school, the ruins of a large building complex from early Christian times were discovered, which includes a three-aisled basilica and numerous additions (4th or 5th century, renovated in the 6th century). Mosaic floors with representations of birds, geometric and plant themes. North of the basilica, a complex of the 6th century was excavated, perhaps a bishop's residence or a combination of an episcopal residence and a baptistery.
Aliis
Fortified citadel 6th - 4th c. BC on a hill on the southern beach of today's Helio bay. Ruins of a wall with towers and building remains inside it (houses, sanctuary of Heras or Demetrius, craft facilities). Part of them is submerged, as are the ancient port facilities. Perhaps some foundations belong to the temple of Apollo. Also thermal baths, remains of a stadium and a cemetery outside the walls.
Steno - Agiorgitika
Remains of the earliest and middle Neolithic (6500 - 5300 BC) are known from the site. Four thermo-metallurgical furnaces and metallurgical washing facilities were also identified which were intended for the roasting and processing of the area's copper ore. They are dated to the Middle Bronze Age (around 1700 BC).
Tsiorovos and Kourmeki, Kato Dolianon
In the place of Tsiorovos Kato Dolinianon, on the southern slopes of Mount Zavitsa and next to the road Dolianon - Argos, there are the ruins of a settlement with a fortified enclosure of the 5th - 4th c. BC, foundations and thresholds of buildings in the interior. Remains of an ancient aqueduct and tombs in the area. Perhaps it is a fortified bridgehead of the Laconians towards Argolis that was founded during the Peloponnesian war. From the 2nd c. BC the population gradually settles in the neighboring place of Kourmeki, where a fortified settlement of Hellenistic to late Roman times (the ancient Neris?) was found on a hill. On the southern slope, a burial monument carved into the rock, 5th - 6th c. A.D.
Loukos / Eva
The finding of sculptures and architectural members in the area around Loukos Monastery indicates the identification with the Roman count of Eva. A mansion of Herodes Atticus (2nd century BC) with rich sculptural decoration was located to the N. of the monastery, in the Kolones position, where there are remains of Nymphaeus and mosaic floors. Sculptures from the site are exhibited in the National Archaeological Museum and the Archaeological Museums of Tripoli and Astros. Remains of an early Christian chapel (5th or 6th century) with a mosaic floor along the south wall of the Loukos Monastery church.
- ELLINIKO
- HERAEON OF ARGOS
Editor: Fotini Anastasopoulou