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Ancient Asini

Ancient Asini, located just 5 kilometers away from the seaside village of Vivari in Argolida, is a lesser-known archaeological site that offers visitors a glimpse into the ancient history of the region. Situated near the modern town of Tolo, Asini was once a small but important city-state that played a significant role in the history of the Argolida.

The history of Asini dates back to the Mycenaean period (1600-1100 BCE), making it one of the oldest inhabited sites in the region. The city is mentioned in Homer's Iliad as one of the cities that sent ships to the Trojan War, noting the importance and military power of Asini in ancient Greek history. The Mycenaeans, known for as an advanced civilization with impressive architecture, left their mark on Asini, a mark evident by the ruins of Cyclopean walls the city’s fortifications and buildings.

During the Classical period, Asini was a small but fortified town that served as a strategic outpost for the more powerful city of Argos. However the relationship between the two cities were under a lot of tension. In the 8th century BCE, the people of Asini sought the protection of Sparta, which led to Argos attacking and destroying the city. The inhabitants of Asini were forced to flee, and the city was abandoned for several centuries.