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Ancient Messene
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Αρχαία Μεσσήνη - archaeological site
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"Messene is one of the most important cities of antiquity in terms
of its size, form and state of preservation, and
still has much to oller. lt had not only sanctuaries and public buildings, but also impressive fortifications,
houses, and funerary monuments. In addition, it has the rare privilege of never having been destroyed
or
covered by more recent settlements, and of being situated in an intact, eminently Mediterranean natural
environment, dominated by the bare mass of Ithomi where its acropolis was, and the low-lying fertile
valley
surrounding the ancient city.
lt was founded as the capital of the independent state of Messenia by the Theban general Epameinondas
in 369
BC following his victory at Leuctra, simultaneously with the Arcadian City of Megalopolis.
Its fortification walls were built with stone blocks up to the battlements.
Fortified with a separate wall was also the
acropolis on the summit of mount Ithome where the sanctuary of Zeus Ithomatas was situated dose to the
abandoned
Monastery of Voulcano. The eastern Laconian Gate is not preserved. Well preserved is the western Arcadian
Gate
constructed with huge impressive limestone blocks. lt consists of a circular inner court with two entrances.
Two
rectangular towers protect the exterior entrance.
Two sanctuaries are located on the southwestern slope of mount Ithome isolated above the city, one of
them
dedicated to the cult of Artemis Limnatis.
The strong exterior retaining wall of the Theatre is constructed with stone blocks imitating the fortifications."
[Parts from Official Flyer "Ancient Messene", 2013]
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Also Recommended
- Museum of Ancient Messene
- in the north east, behind the Laconian
Gate on the northern site of the mountain is the Monastery of Voulkanos.
- Walk to Ithome (summit)
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