The Peloponnesian peninsula contains some of the most important historical sites from Greek history and therefore the history of the cradle of western civilization. These are a few simple notes and pictures just to give you an idea of the incredible richness of the history of this area.

Corinth.
Once a very large Greek city state. But today not a lot of Greek construction left. A few standing columns from the old Greek Temple.

The fountains and water system.

But most of what remains are the ruins of what the Romans rebuilt after they sacked the city in about 150BC.

There is an ancient fortress on the high hill overlooking the site that is said to be very interesting.  I did not make it up there.

Epidauros
The most famous healing center in the ancient world. Mostly ruins today, the site mined for the cut stones.

But there is a 14,000 seat theater in its original form dating from around 450BC. As a fellow scrivener: Pausanias of Lydia said in about 150AD, “particularly worth a visit”.

Special theatrical events are still held in the theater and it is said that the acoustics are such that you can hear the actors from any seat in the theater.

I liked the little Gymnasium area.

 

Mycenea
The ruling palace of the Myceneans.

It is hard to believe that from this remote inland location they ruled the north eastern Mediterranean between 1500BC and 1100BC.

There is a nice museum at this site.

The Myceneans had great bronze technology, and were notable for having more gold than anyone else in the western world.

Many of their remaining artifacts are in the National Archeological Museum in Athens.

Nafplion
This is a very nice small (tourist) town and a good place to stay and day trip to the many nearby historic sites.

The site was occupied from antiquity. And it is possible that a group from Egypt settled here. It was occupied by various pre-greek tribes. But the wonderful fortifications come from almost modern times in comparison as the Byzantines, Ottomans and Venetians held and lost and held the strategic town over centuries.

There is a great walking trail around the old town and for a few miles out along the coast.

And, a Nafplion treat: