Ancient Argos in the Pelonnese in Greece

THE ANCIENT TOWN OF ARGOS ON THE PELOPONNESE PENINSULA IN GREECE

Argos The modern town of Argos in the Peloponnese, with approximately 28,000 inhabitants, is located 12 kilometers from the harbour of Nafplion, to which it has a regular connection by bus (every half an hour). Argos is located at the foot of a nearly 300 meter high mountain and it is one of the oldest cities in Greece. In the area of Argoa there are remains of a market, temples, a city wall and a theatre dating from the 4th - 2nd century BC. There are also remains an aqueduct and baths from the Roman period that date from the 1st to the 3d century AC.

As early as the Neolithic period, around 3000 BC, there was a fortress at this location, with an acropolis and a castle on a hill, but the inhabitants were expelled by the Dorians in 1100 BC. The Dorians took over the area. In the 8th - 7th century BC Argos was ruled by the Doric tyrant Pheidon, which extended the city to the most powerful city in the region of the Peloponnese. It was probably under the rule of this king that Argos defeated its rival Sparta at the Battle of Hyssae, which took place in 668 BC.

During the First Persian War in 494 BC, Sparta defeated Argos again. Sparta and Argos remained enemies continuously and Argos did not fight with the other Greek states against the Persians. In 451 BC, a peace was concluded with Sparta, but during conflicts Argos often choose sides with the rival of Sparta, Athens. Inner divisions in Argos eventually led to the political end of the state. In 404 BC, Argos suffered a major defeat against Sparta. By politically joining Corinth finally an end was brought to the domination of Sparta, but the rivalry between the two states remained.

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Contemporary Argos is a bustling town and the commercial trading center of the district Argolis. One lives there mainly of agriculture and there are many citrus trees and olive groves. There is a big market with the large Saint Peter Cathedral on it, surrounded by places where you can have something to eat and shops, and there are many impressive churches and neoclassical buildings in modern Argos. On top of the mountain which dominates the city the great castle of Larissa is located. The construction of this great castle begun in the 6th century AD and more and more was added to the castle over time. Argos is the largest city in the Argolis area and many of the ancient buildings have been preserved. In the 4th century BC, there were approximately 30,000 people living in the city.

One of the main attractions of Argos is the Heraion, the temple that was dedicated to the goddess Hera. This temple is located 8 kilometers outside the center of Argos, along the route to Mycenae. Another attraction is the theatre which is built into the hillside. It dates back to the 3d century BC and later changes were made to it by the Romans. With its 81 rows of seats the theatre offered place to 20,000 visitors.

The historic city of Mycenae

North of Argos lie the remains of another historic city, Mycenae, the city of the famous monarch Agamemnon, who played such an important role in the Trojan War. Here the golden "death mask of Agamnon" was found which is now exhibited in the museums of Athens. The city flourished mostly between 1400 and 1200 BC, but just like Argos it was run over by the Dorians. Impressive are the remains of the royal fortress with the famous Lion Gate of Mycenae. The castle is surrounded by a 900 m long and about 6 m thick wall built of huge ("cyclopean") stone blocks. The gate dates from the 13th century BC and represents the oldest known monumental sculpture of Europe. Older (17th / 18th century BC) are the graves that were found on the site. The impressive "Treasury of Atreus" dates from the 15th century BC. It is an enormous grave with a domed shaped roof.

Morfeas Hotel in Argos - good reviews

Morfeas Hotel is situated in the historic centre of Argos and offers rooms with views of St. Peter's Square or the street from their balconies. There is a 24-hour room service. The rooms at Morfeas Hotel include free Wi-Fi, an LCD TV and refrigerator. Each private bathroom is equipped with a hairdryer.
Guests can enjoy a drink at the Morfeas bar or take a 2-minute walk into town to find a number of cafés, restaurants and shops. The picturesque town of Nafplio is at 10 km, while the archaeological site of Mykines is a 15-minute drive away.
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Hotel Mycenae in Argos - good reviews

Located in the centre of Argos Town, Hotel Mycenae offers air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony featuring views over the Castle of Argos and Agios Petros Church. Free Wi-Fi is available in all areas. Simply yet tastefully decorated, all rooms of Mycenae come with a flat-screen, satellite TV. Each has a minibar and a safety deposit box. Free toiletries and a hairdryer are included.
Guests may start their day with a continental breakfast served at the property. A mini market for the general supplies, as well as a restaurant and a café bar can be found within short walking distance. The scenic town of Nafplio with Bourtzi Castle and the archaeological site of Mycenae are at a distance of 10 km. Tolo Town is 22 km away and Epidaurus Town with its popular ancient theatre is 45 km away.
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Apollon Hotel in Argos - very good reviews

Centrally located in Argos in the Peloponnese, Apollon Hotel offers air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony overlooking the surrounding area. It includes a restaurant, a lounge area with flat-screen TV and provides free Wi-Fi access throughout. Fitted with tiled floors, earthy colours and well-chosen furnishings, the rooms of Apollon are equipped with a desk and a TV. The private bathroom comes with a shower cabin, hairdryer and free toiletries.
Guests can start their day with a continental breakfast served daily at the dining area. Restaurants, bars and shops can be found within 100 metres from the property. The central square of Argos is located 70 metres away, while Nea Kios Beach is 6 km away. The scenic town of Nafplio is at a distance of 12 km and the seaside Tolon is 22 km away. Free public parking can be found on site.
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© Hans Huisman, https://www.angelfire.com/super2/greece/ 2013