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Ancient Nemea

Ancient Nemea, holds a significant place in both Greek history and mythology. Situated in a valley, Nemea was famous as the site of the Nemean Games, one of the four Panhellenic Games of ancient Greece, not very different to the Olympic Games. The games were held every two years in honor of Zeus and attracted athletes from all over ancient Greece to compete in events such as running, wrestling, and boxing. The sanctuary of Zeus at Nemea was a religious center, with a temple dedicated to the god. Although much of the temple now lies in ruins, several columns have been restored, giving visitors a sense of its former glory. In addition to the temple, visitors can explore the ancient stadium, which could accommodate up to 40,000 spectators. The stadium, with its well-preserved track and stone starting blocks, is a highlight for those interested in ancient Greek society and their sports.

Mycenae was a powerful and rich city, ruling over most of southern Greece. It was the seat of Agamemnon, the legendary king who led the Greeks in the Trojan War, as famously recounted in Homer’s Iliad. The Mycenaeans were known for their advanced engineering, evident at the archaeological site in the massive structures and their architecture, including the famous Cyclopean walls, which were so large that the myths that emerged were that only Cyclopes could have built them.
The Mycenaean civilization that flourished here was one of the first advanced cultures in Europe, with a sophisticated system of writing (Linear B), extensive trade networks, and a highly developed social structure. Mycenae’s decline began around 1100 BCE, likely due to a combination of natural disasters, internal strife, and invasions by the Dorians, leading to the eventual collapse of the Mycenaean civilization.

Nemea is best known in Greek mythology as the place where Hercules completed his first labor, slaying the Nemean Lion. According to the myth, the lion terrorized the region, and its hide was so tough that no weapon could pierce it. Hercules eventually strangled the lion with his bare hands and wore its skin as a protective cloak. The story of Hercules and the Nemean Lion is one of the most famous myths in Greek mythology and creates an interesting note to the site.
The connection to Hercules and the Nemean Lion is still celebrated today, and visitors to Nemea will find references to the myth in local art, souvenirs, and even wine labels.

Mycenae is firmly rooted in Greek mythology. In addition to being the home of Agamemnon, it is also associated with several legendary figures, including Atreus, Electra, and Orestes. According to myth the House of Atreus, the ruling dynasty of Mycenae, was cursed due to a series of heinous crimes committed the fmaily members, including murder, betrayal, and cannibalism. These stories of betrayal and revenge, especially the tale of Agamemnon’s murder by his wife Clytemnestra and his son Orestes’ revenge, are central to Greek tragedy and have been the subject of plays by Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides.

Ancient Mycenae is located about 35 kilometers from our rooms in Vivari, a journey of approximately 40 minutes by car. The route takes you through the Greek countryside in Argolida, making it an enjoyable trip for those staying in Vivari and want to explore the ancient history of the area.