North of Kato Asea Mantineia, on Paliokastro hill, the ruins of the acropolis of ancient Asea are preserved as well as remains of the city walls, which were investigated by a group of Swedish archaeologists. The city was abandoned during the Roman occupation and inhabited in the 15th century AD. In the same place there are also traces of habitation from the Neolithic to the Middle Helladic times. Ancient tombs have also been discovered.
Ancient Asea was an important Arcadian city. Its history begins, according to the findings of the excavations, from the prehistoric period. According to tradition, it was founded by Aseatis, son of Lycaon. He participated in the battle of Plataea against the Persians (479 BC) and the battle of Mantineia (362 BC). After the victory of the Thebans under the general Epaminondas, it also joined the Arcadian federation that Epaminondas recommended and played an important role due to its strategic location. Then its inhabitants moved to Megalopolis. Later it joined the Achaean Commonwealth (3rd century BC). Indicative of her importance was that she was granted the right to mint her own copper coins as a reward for her services (196 BC).
The excavations revealed building remains from mainly Hellenistic times and a temple as well as other findings, which are exhibited in the archaeological museums of Tripoli, Tegea and Nafplion. Bronze coins were also found, which are currently exhibited in the Numismatic Museum of Athens. An important and excellent plastic art is a headless marble statue of a seated goddess (6th century BC) found in ancient Asea. It is believed to be the goddess Athena and dates from 510 BC. It seems to be the work of the Athenian sculptor Endoios. The statue is exhibited in the Pan-Arkadian archaeological museum of Tripoli.
On the top of the hill of the prophet Elias just outside Asea, with a spectacular view of the plateau, there are remains (base) of an ancient temple that has not yet been identified with certainty. It is believed to belong to Athena or Poseidon. Scattered building members exist in the surrounding area. Access is from upper Asea by dirt road. Excavations were carried out at this location in 1936 by the Swedish archaeologist Erik Holberg. In addition to the temple, ruins of buildings from the Neolithic era were also discovered which cannot be clearly determined, as well as various ceramic finds which testify that the area was inhabited in the Neolithic era approximately 3000 years ago.
Source: UNIVERSITY OF PATRAS
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