Sunrise: Nafplio 7:14am
Sunset: Athens 7:25pm Steps: 13,226
Early departure this morning for our trip to Athens via Ancient Mycenae and ancient Corinth or Korinthos.
The archaeological sites of Mycenae and Tiryns are the imposing ruins of the two greatest cities of the Mycenaean civilization, which dominated the eastern Mediterranean world from the 15th to the 12th century B.C. and played a vital role in the development of classical Greek culture. These two cities are indissolubly linked to the Homeric epics, the Iliad and the Odyssey , which have influenced European art and literature for more than three millennia.
The Tomb of King Agamemnon or Treasury of Atreus in Mycenae Archaeological Site is an impressive “tholos” tomb on the Panagitsa Hill
It was the Greek traveler of antiquity, Pausanias, who reported that the people of his day ( 2 C BC) believed the tholos graves were treasure stores. This is why it is known as a Treasury, and although it may originally have contained treasure, it was also a grave, had nothing to do with Atreus, and probably not with Agamemnon either!
This Tomb of Agamemnon is the best example of a tholos tomb in existence. It was built partly into a hill, and the dromos (path to the entrance) is impressive and in good condition.
The doorway is 5.4m (18 feet) high, and tapers towards the top, which makes it appear even more impressive as you approach it. The lintel is made of two massive blocks of stone. The one which faces the interior is curved to follow the shape of the tholos, and it is estimated to weigh about 120 tonnes.
The funerary chamber is over 13m (44 feet) high, and over 14m (48 feet) wide. When it was constructed the stonework was decorated with bronze rosettes and motifs attached with nails. When you go inside the tomb of Agamemnon you'll also see another passage which leads into a smaller room which is rectangular. Experts are not in agreement as to what this room was used for. Some think it was the actual treasury, others suggest it was where the head of the family was buried.
The citadel of Mycenae, with its strategic position for the control of the Argolid Plain, is the kingdom of the mythical Agamemnon and the most important and richest palatial centre of the Late Bronze Age in Greece. Its name was given to one of the greatest civilizations of Greek prehistory, the Mycenaean civilization, while the myths related to its history, its rulers and their family members (such as Klytaimnestra, Ifigeneia, Elektra, Orestes) have inspired poets, writers and artists over many centuries, from the ancient to the contemporary times. Significant stages in monumental architecture are still visible in the property, such as the massive defensive walls, the corbelled tholos tombs and the Lions Gate.
The Lion Gate was the main entrance of the Bronze Age citadel of Mycenae, southern Greece. It was erected during the 13th century BC, around 1250 BC in the northwest side of the acropolis and is named after the relief sculpture of two lionesses or lions in a heraldic pose that stands above the entrance.
From Mycenae, we then went to Corinth.
From Mycenae, we then went to Corinth.
In ancient times, Corinth (Korinthos) was one of the largest and wealthiest city-states in Greece, with two major ports, one on the Corinthian Gulf and one on the Saronic Gulf. The site where Ancient Corinth once stood has been excavated by archaeologists from the American School in Athens since 1896. The extensive remains, mostly dating from the Roman period, are dominated by the ruins of the Temple of Apollo. Behind the site rises the hill of Acrocorinth (Akrokorinthos), which was fortified during the Middle Ages.
After having lunch at Corinth, we then had a photo stop at the Corinth Canal, cutting through the Isthmus of Corinth.
Looking towards the Gulf of Corinth.
After that is was a drive into Athens and we arrived at the hotel shortly after 4pm. Checked in then went for a walk with Lois & Elizabeth to check out the area. After wandering back to the hotel, they decided not to eat at the hotel but I did. I joined Jenny & Stephen. Quite a few of the other people on the tour were also eating at the hotel.
Back to my room and sorted out the clothes for the next couple of days.
We have a very early start tomorrow. 7:20 departure from the hotel. Visiting the islands of Hydra, Poros and Aegina. We are not expecting to get back to the hotel until after 8pm, so I might not be posting anything tomorrow night. All depends how I feel at the end of the day.
Just past 11pm here, so goodnight all.
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