There are countless places to visit in the Peloponnese and you cannot possibly
see all of them. This is an area rich in history and the climate
is drier. I have selected a few that I feel
are worth visiting, historically significant and span all millenniums.
The Mycenaean Age
in Greek history flourished approximately from 1600 BC to 1100 BC in southern
Greece. After the decline of the Minoan civilization, power shifted to
the city states in the Peloponnese such as Mycenae, Tiryns and Argos. Although
they were culturally influenced by the Minoans and traded with them, the
Mycenaeans were more warlike.
Mycenae
The citadel of Mycenae (photo
#4), perched on an acropolis is impressive and majestic. Being there you
can envision the influence and power this city state exerted over the region.
The ruins include the Lion Gate, royal palace, throne room and grave circle
A. Below the acropolis you will find various other ruins. Some of the richest
finds were found in Mycenae and they can now be seen at the Archaeological
Museum of Athens.
Across the road from the
citadel of Mycenae you will find a huge tholos, a royal burial vault shaped
live a beehive (photo #1). It is called the Treasury of Atreus (Beehive
Tomb). Archaeologists are unsure who was buried here, but speculation is
that it was King Agamemnon.
Tiryns
I found Tiryns (photo #4)
to be an equally impressive and even more majestic site than Mycenae. It
is rarely visited by tourists compared to Mycenae and still under excavation.
The walls and fortifications are formed of huge stones and were at one
time twice their height. All that is left of the citadel are foundations
of buildings. Fragments of wall frescoes were found here including hunting
scene and bull vaulting frescoes (1300 BC - 1200 BC) and it can be seen in the Archaeological
Museum of Athens. The style and influence of the Minoans on Tiryns is evident in
these frescoes.
Epidaurus
This site is famous for its
well-preserved ancient theatre and the ruins of the Asclepian Sanctuary. There
is also a small museum on the site.
Olympia
The place where the Olympics all began will be discussed
here
Nauplia
This is a beautiful little
town that was once the capital of modern Greece. As well there are 3 fortresses
including the fortress Palamidi and several Venetian castles.
Description of Photos:
1. Beehive Tomb - Mycenae
2. View of Mycenae acropolis,
citadel
3. Mycenae
4. Walls of citadel at Tiryns
5. Palamidi Fortress
