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History, archaeology and picture tour of the Peloponnese in southern Greece

The Peloponnese Pictures

Southern Greece

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 and you can see this in their citadels with their well-fortified massive stone walls. The Peloponnese should be included in your trip to Greece and I have selected a few of the must-see places here.

Mycenae

The citadel of Mycenae, 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 with its vault shaped like a beehive. It is called the Treasury of Atreus (Beehive Tomb). Archaeologists are unsure who was buried here, but speculation is that it may be King Agamemnon.

Tiryns

I found Tiryns 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 when I visited. Over time, the history and importance of this city state seems to have been lost, at least untill more research is done and more information can be gathered from excavation here and elsewhere in Greece. 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 they can be seen in the Archaeological Museum of Athens. The style and influence of the Minoans on Tiryns is evident in these frescoes.

Personally there is an interesting story regarding this site for me. It wasn't on my tour's itinerary, but it was a place that I had to see, a must-see. Tiryns is also a site that isn't frequented by tourists very often. It happened that on our way from Mycenae, our tour bus passed by it and the bus had stopped at our hotel soonafter. Having 1.5 hours for lunch, I felt I could jog there, see the place and be back before the bus departed for the next venue. It didn't take me long to get there and at the site there were only a handful of tourists and few archaeologists working, definitely worth the trip and experience. By paying attention to what was passing us by as we rode in the bus, I was able to visit this ancient and not very well-known site and still be back in time at the hotel.

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.

Corinth Canal*** Corinth Canal

*** View of Mycenae acropolis, citadel

Lions Gate in Mycenae*** The Lion's Gate

*** Mycenae

Hillside view of Mycenae*** Hillside view of Mycenae

tombs in Mycenae*** Tombs in Mycenae, burial area

Gold funerary mask found in grave*** Gold funerary mask from Mycenae

> *** Wall frescoes from Tiryns

Beehive Tomb*** Beehive Tomb - Mycenae

*** Tiryns

*** Various views of the massive walls of the Bronze Age citadel at Tiryns


Nauplia from port*** Nauplia view from port and the Palamidi (Venetian) fortress


Theatre in Epidaurus*** Amphitheater in Epidaurus

fortress in Nauplia*** Another view of the Venetian fort on top of the hill





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