Sparta
Image by manue41350
Tegea
located at the slopes of Mount Parthenion, was one of the most ancient and powerful towns of ancient Arcadia. This is where God Pan appeared to Pheidippides before the battle of Marathon in 490 BC against the Persians and promised his help in return for honoring him. The Athenians won the battle and built an altar to honor Pan at the foot of the Parthenon. Image by Ottokatz
Nemea
ancient village with archaeological sites and vineyards, where Greek hero Heracles killed the Nemean Lion, according to the mythology. Famous for its Nemean Games, as one of the four Panhellenic Games of Ancient Greece, held at every two years. Like the Olympic Games, Nemean Games were held in honor of God Zeus. The Modern Nemeia Games were revived in 1996, taking place every four years, with participating athletes and spectators from all over the world. Image by Penny Georgakopoulou
Corinth
inhabited since the Neolithic times; was considered the richest city of the ancient world and most important commercial, naval, and cultural center until the rise of Athens. The very small and deep Corinth connects the Saronic Gulf with the Corinthian Gulf. The ruins of Ancient Corinth give important insight into the region’s ancient civilization and architecture. Image by Hella Nijssen
Eleusis
was most famous for its annual festival of the Mysteries in honor of Demeter (goddess of grain and harvest) and Persephone (goddess of vegetation). The site was also an important fortress to protect the Attica region, including capital Athens, and held several other important festivals, notably the Thesmophoria, a fertility festival to ensure fertile land and good harvest. Image by thanos capsalis
Athens
capital of ancient and modern Greece and the historical capital of Europe. It was also the centre of Ancient Greek civilization that started from the Acropolis, a hilltop citadel with ancient temples and theaters. Most buildings were destroyed by the Persians 10 years after the Battle Marathon, but rebuilt in the Golden Age and partly still exist, like the Parthenon. Image by Nick115