Welcome to Assassin's Creed Wiki! Log in and join the community.

Historical Locations: Difference between revisions

From the Assassin's Creed Wiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
imported>Lady Kyashira
Added Keos locations
imported>Lady Kyashira
m →‎Attika: Some additional additions
Line 74: Line 74:
===Attika===
===Attika===
<tabber>
<tabber>
|-|Altar of Love=
[[Altar of Love|The altar]] speaks to the rivalry between [[Eros]] and [[Anteros]], sitting in fron of the entrance to the [[Academy]] and near the famous gymnasium.
|-|Altar of Prometheus=
A torch relay beginning at the foot of the [[Altar of Prometheus|altar]]—located near the Academy—was held in honor of [[Prometheus]].
|-|Altar of the Twelve Gods=
|-|Altar of the Twelve Gods=
[[Altar of the Twelve Gods|This altar]] dedicated to the [[Twelve Gods|twelve gods]] seems to have served as a place of refuge and a topographical point of reference. [[Herodotos]] used it to give sample distances.
[[Altar of the Twelve Gods|This altar]] dedicated to the [[Twelve Gods|twelve gods]] seems to have served as a place of refuge and a topographical point of reference. [[Herodotos]] used it to give sample distances.
Line 86: Line 92:
In the early years of the war, the Spartans invaded Attika's countryside, destroying crops, and burning farms to starve the Athenians and force them to fight on land.
In the early years of the war, the Spartans invaded Attika's countryside, destroying crops, and burning farms to starve the Athenians and force them to fight on land.


</tabber>
<tabber>
|-|Burned Temple of Hera=
|-|Burned Temple of Hera=
The Persian general [[Mardonius]] burned [[Burned Temple of Hera|this]] temple during the Greco-Persian Wars. Although it was not rebuilt, the Athenians placed a new statue of the [[Hera|goddess]] on the spot.
The Persian general [[Mardonius]] burned [[Burned Temple of Hera|this]] temple during the Greco-Persian Wars. Although it was not rebuilt, the Athenians placed a new statue of the [[Hera|goddess]] on the spot.
Line 92: Line 100:
Known for its boulders and stalagmites resembling a herd of goats, [[Cave of Pan, Attika|this grotto]] dedicated to [[Pan]] is located near Marathon, on the south coast.
Known for its boulders and stalagmites resembling a herd of goats, [[Cave of Pan, Attika|this grotto]] dedicated to [[Pan]] is located near Marathon, on the south coast.


</tabber>
<tabber>
|-|Dekelia=
|-|Dekelia=
During the Peloponnesian War, [[Dekelia]] was used as a Spartan base at [[Alkibiades]]'s recommendation. The location allowed the Spartans to be at the crossroads of supply routes.
During the Peloponnesian War, [[Dekelia]] was used as a Spartan base at [[Alkibiades]]'s recommendation. The location allowed the Spartans to be at the crossroads of supply routes.
Line 99: Line 105:
|-|Eleusis Telesterion=
|-|Eleusis Telesterion=
Dedicated to [[Demeter]] and [[Persephone]], the [[Eleusis Telesterion|Telesterion]] was where people were inducted into the {{Wiki|Eleusinian Mysteries}}. This secret initation offered the promise of a better life in the beyond.
Dedicated to [[Demeter]] and [[Persephone]], the [[Eleusis Telesterion|Telesterion]] was where people were inducted into the {{Wiki|Eleusinian Mysteries}}. This secret initation offered the promise of a better life in the beyond.
|-|Entrance to the Underworld=
Many entrances to the [[Hades (realm)|underworld]] were known in ancient Greece. [[Entrance to the Underworld|This entrance]] is linked to where Demeter's daughter was abducted by [[Hades]], who stole her away to the underworld, wanting to marry her.


|-|Erechtheion=
|-|Erechtheion=
Line 109: Line 118:
{{Wiki|Marathon}} owe its name to the fennel thriving in its swamps. It was known for the great battle between 10,000 Greeks and 500,000 Persians in 490 BCE. 6,400 Persians died versus only 192 Athenians.
{{Wiki|Marathon}} owe its name to the fennel thriving in its swamps. It was known for the great battle between 10,000 Greeks and 500,000 Persians in 490 BCE. 6,400 Persians died versus only 192 Athenians.


</tabber>
<tabber>
|-|Marble Trophy=
|-|Marble Trophy=
After the [[Battle of Marathon|battle of Marathon]], the Athenians and their allies erected a [[Marble Trophy|marble trophy]] to mark their victory and the 6,400 Persians killed.
After the [[Battle of Marathon|battle of Marathon]], the Athenians and their allies erected a [[Marble Trophy|marble trophy]] to mark their victory and the 6,400 Persians killed.
Line 115: Line 126:
One of the 170 trades in Athens was marble work. Having become a major hub for marble sculpture, Athens attracted artists from across the Greek world. Their protector was Athena Ergane.
One of the 170 trades in Athens was marble work. Having become a major hub for marble sculpture, Athens attracted artists from across the Greek world. Their protector was Athena Ergane.


</tabber>
<tabber>
|-|Monument of the Eponymous Heroes=
|-|Monument of the Eponymous Heroes=
Official documents, including the list of military contingents, were posted on [[Monument of the Eponymous Heroes|this monument]] dedicated to the eponymous heroes of Athens.
Official documents, including the list of military contingents, were posted on [[Monument of the Eponymous Heroes|this monument]] dedicated to the eponymous heroes of Athens.
Line 123: Line 132:
[[Monument of Hippolytos|This cenotaph]] was erected of [[Theseus]]'s [[Hippolytos|son]], with whom [[Phaidra]], his father's wife, fell in love. When he rebuffed her, Phaidra accused him of violence, bringing about his death.
[[Monument of Hippolytos|This cenotaph]] was erected of [[Theseus]]'s [[Hippolytos|son]], with whom [[Phaidra]], his father's wife, fell in love. When he rebuffed her, Phaidra accused him of violence, bringing about his death.


</tabber>
<tabber>
|-|Mt. Pentelikos Marble Quarry=
|-|Mt. Pentelikos Marble Quarry=
To reduce transport weight, [[Mt. Pentelikos Marble Quarry|the quarry]] provided a leveled product that was finished on-site. Blocks were then taken by land and boat for export.
To reduce transport weight, [[Mt. Pentelikos Marble Quarry|the quarry]] provided a leveled product that was finished on-site. Blocks were then taken by land and boat for export.
Line 129: Line 140:
East of Athens, [[Scarred Mountain of Pentelikos|Mt. Pentelikos]] was the source of the marble used in architectural construction of Perikles' grand project on the Akropolis.
East of Athens, [[Scarred Mountain of Pentelikos|Mt. Pentelikos]] was the source of the marble used in architectural construction of Perikles' grand project on the Akropolis.


</tabber>
<tabber>
|-|Odeon of Perikles=
|-|Odeon of Perikles=
The [[Odeon of Perikles|Odeon]] showed musical performances and was modeled after the [[Persia]]n king [[Xerxes I of Persia|Xerxes]]' tent, which was brought back as plunder. It was the largest building in Athens and the first theater to receive a roof.
The [[Odeon of Perikles|Odeon]] showed musical performances and was modeled after the [[Persia]]n king [[Xerxes I of Persia|Xerxes]]' tent, which was brought back as plunder. It was the largest building in Athens and the first theater to receive a roof.
Line 146: Line 155:
Before [[Port of Piraeus|Piraeus]], the [[Phaleron Sunken Harbor|Phaleron port]] was used during the [[Greco-Persian Wars]], but it was mainly known as the place where Athenians set out for the Trojan War.
Before [[Port of Piraeus|Piraeus]], the [[Phaleron Sunken Harbor|Phaleron port]] was used during the [[Greco-Persian Wars]], but it was mainly known as the place where Athenians set out for the Trojan War.


</tabber>
<tabber>
|-|Pnyx=
|-|Pnyx=
Situated on a hill, [[Pnyx|this]] was where Athenians gathered for assemblies. Decrees were ratified budgets voted on, and administration members appointed. It was where citizens could have a voice.
Situated on a hill, [[Pnyx|this]] was where Athenians gathered for assemblies. Decrees were ratified budgets voted on, and administration members appointed. It was where citizens could have a voice.
Line 152: Line 163:
The [[Port of Piraeus|port]] was a socially and economically seperate world split into three areas: military ports, commercial ports, and a residential area. It played a critical role in Athens' impact as a naval power.
The [[Port of Piraeus|port]] was a socially and economically seperate world split into three areas: military ports, commercial ports, and a residential area. It played a critical role in Athens' impact as a naval power.


</tabber>
<tabber>
|-|Propylea=
|-|Propylea=
[[Propylea|This gateway]] marked the entrance of the Akropolis sanctuary. Constructed of Pentellic marble, it had a central building with five gates and was the end of the Sacred Way. Two wings housed paintings.
[[Propylea|This gateway]] marked the entrance of the Akropolis sanctuary. Constructed of Pentellic marble, it had a central building with five gates and was the end of the Sacred Way. Two wings housed paintings.
Line 166: Line 175:
The most famous statue of Artemis near [[Statue of Artemis Tauropolos|this altar]] was brought back from {{Wiki|Tauris}} by [[Iphigenia]]. Some say that it was stolen by the Persians, while others say that it was in Sparta or dedicated in Attika.
The most famous statue of Artemis near [[Statue of Artemis Tauropolos|this altar]] was brought back from {{Wiki|Tauris}} by [[Iphigenia]]. Some say that it was stolen by the Persians, while others say that it was in Sparta or dedicated in Attika.


</tabber>
<tabber>
|-|Statue of Athena=
|-|Statue of Athena=
[[Statue of Athena|This statue]] was carved by Phidias and erected on the Akropolis to commemorate the Battle of Marathon. The tip of Athena's spear and the rest of her helmet were visible from [[Cape Sounion]].
[[Statue of Athena|This statue]] was carved by Phidias and erected on the Akropolis to commemorate the Battle of Marathon. The tip of Athena's spear and the rest of her helmet were visible from [[Cape Sounion]].
Line 172: Line 183:
In Athens, there were numerous [[tavern]]s, whose managers were often mocked in the plays of [[Aristophanes]]. The wine served in taverns could be red, or rosé, and up to 16% proof.
In Athens, there were numerous [[tavern]]s, whose managers were often mocked in the plays of [[Aristophanes]]. The wine served in taverns could be red, or rosé, and up to 16% proof.


</tabber>
<tabber>
|-|Temple of Asklepios=
|-|Temple of Asklepios=
[[Temple of Asklepios, Athens|This]] was the sanctuary of the [[Asklepios|healing god]] whose cult was introduced to Athens in the 5th century BCE. Its construction was funded by a wealthy Athenian named [[Telemachos]].
[[Temple of Asklepios, Athens|This]] was the sanctuary of the [[Asklepios|healing god]] whose cult was introduced to Athens in the 5th century BCE. Its construction was funded by a wealthy Athenian named [[Telemachos]].

Revision as of 11:06, 2 September 2019

Historical Locations is a map overlay feature of Layla Hassan's Animus HR 8.5. It provided extra context to some of the landmarks visited by Kassandra in Greece during the Peloponnesian War while Layla was reliving Kassandra's memories.

Locations

Achaia

Nestled in the mountains, Boura was either named for Ion’s daughter or the centaur Dexamenos, who owned cattle there. A site nearby was used to learn about the future by throwing knucklebones.

As the most prominent city in the region, Patrai was used as a naval base during the Peloponnesian War. It was also known for having twice as many women as men in its population.

Pellene has the distinction of being the first city in Achaia to join Sparta in the Peloponnesian War in 431 BCE.

Andros

Shipwrecks were always a risk, butt they were never as abundant as when Steropes roamed. Witnesses swore they'd seen him, the Lightning Bringer, on a rampage around the Greek world.

Argolis

Agamemnon may have been king of Mycenae and commander of United Greek armies in the Trojan War, but he had a less-than-glorious homecoming. While at a banquet, he was killed by his own wife's lover.

The oldest sanctuaries in the city were built on two akropolises (sic) and housed the temples of Athena Polias, Zeus Larisaios, Hera Akraia, and Apollo Pythaios, which was connected to the Bloody Oracle.

Apollo Maleatas and Asklepios shared this sacred place on Mount Kynortion. Starting in the eighth century BCE, people worshipped Apollo as both a physician and as Asklepios's father.

Founded at the foot of two akropolises (sic), Argos has been occupied since prehistoric times. Praised for its heroes, it gained great fame in the fifth century BCE for its talented sculptors.

Asine was destroyed in the seventh century BCE by the Argives for helping Sparta in their war against Argos. After its demise, the Spartans gave Asine citizens compensatory land in Messenia.

On a rocky hill in the Argive plains, "mighty-walled" Tiryns was the second most important site in the Mycenaean world. Linked with Herakles, it had a palace, Cyclopean walls, and tunnels.

Founded in the ninth century BCE on a hillside, the sanctuary of Hera houses many buildings. The oldest temple dedicated to this goddess, protector of the city, was burned in 423 BCE by Chrysis.

Despite the lake's calm look, it was known for draining its swimmers out the bottom. Just southwest from here, Herakles killed the Hydra, cauterizing its necks to prevent its heads from growing back.

Home of King Agamemnon, Mycenae was one of the oldest cities in Greece. Dating from the third millennium BCE, it’s said its walls were the work of Cyclopes. It was abandoned in the fifth century BCE.

Attika

The altar speaks to the rivalry between Eros and Anteros, sitting in fron of the entrance to the Academy and near the famous gymnasium.

A torch relay beginning at the foot of the altar—located near the Academy—was held in honor of Prometheus.

This altar dedicated to the twelve gods seems to have served as a place of refuge and a topographical point of reference. Herodotos used it to give sample distances.

The mint is the place where coins are struck into creation. Round metal disks were prepared and then struck between two matrices to make a coin. Athens' coinage was the most plentiful in Greece.

The state erected a burial mound at the heart of the plain for the 192 Athenians who fell during the Battle of Marathon. The tumulus of the Plataians was located three km north.

In the early years of the war, the Spartans invaded Attika's countryside, destroying crops, and burning farms to starve the Athenians and force them to fight on land.

The Persian general Mardonius burned this temple during the Greco-Persian Wars. Although it was not rebuilt, the Athenians placed a new statue of the goddess on the spot.

Known for its boulders and stalagmites resembling a herd of goats, this grotto dedicated to Pan is located near Marathon, on the south coast.

During the Peloponnesian War, Dekelia was used as a Spartan base at Alkibiades's recommendation. The location allowed the Spartans to be at the crossroads of supply routes.

Many entrances to the underworld were known in ancient Greece. This entrance is linked to where Demeter's daughter was abducted by Hades, who stole her away to the underworld, wanting to marry her.

Also known as Poulytion's home, this was one of the most beautiful in Athens. It was dedicated to Dionysos after the host was sentenced for performing a parody of the Eleusinian Mysteries.

Marathon owe its name to the fennel thriving in its swamps. It was known for the great battle between 10,000 Greeks and 500,000 Persians in 490 BCE. 6,400 Persians died versus only 192 Athenians.

One of the 170 trades in Athens was marble work. Having become a major hub for marble sculpture, Athens attracted artists from across the Greek world. Their protector was Athena Ergane.

Official documents, including the list of military contingents, were posted on this monument dedicated to the eponymous heroes of Athens.

This cenotaph was erected of Theseus's son, with whom Phaidra, his father's wife, fell in love. When he rebuffed her, Phaidra accused him of violence, bringing about his death.

To reduce transport weight, the quarry provided a leveled product that was finished on-site. Blocks were then taken by land and boat for export.

East of Athens, Mt. Pentelikos was the source of the marble used in architectural construction of Perikles' grand project on the Akropolis.

The Odeon showed musical performances and was modeled after the Persian king Xerxes' tent, which was brought back as plunder. It was the largest building in Athens and the first theater to receive a roof.

The boat that was used during the Panathenaic processions was kept near the Areopagus. Equipped with wheels for the occasion, it was pulled like a parade float.

Built to the glory of Athens' protector, the Parthenon housed the gold and ivory statue of Athena, made by Phidias. Made of Pentelic marble, the structure held the city's and Delian League's riches.

Situated on a hill, this was where Athenians gathered for assemblies. Decrees were ratified budgets voted on, and administration members appointed. It was where citizens could have a voice.

The port was a socially and economically seperate world split into three areas: military ports, commercial ports, and a residential area. It played a critical role in Athens' impact as a naval power.

This gateway marked the entrance of the Akropolis sanctuary. Constructed of Pentellic marble, it had a central building with five gates and was the end of the Sacred Way. Two wings housed paintings.

Looking at the Salamis strait will always evoke the Greeks' victory over the Persians. Forced to fight in this narrow strait, the Persians couldnt make full use of their naval strength, and perished.

Located on a rich plain, the sanctuary of Demeter and Persephone was the simportant religious festivities. The large size of the Telesterion attests to the popularity of the initatory cult.

The most famous statue of Artemis near this altar was brought back from Tauris by Iphigenia. Some say that it was stolen by the Persians, while others say that it was in Sparta or dedicated in Attika.

This statue was carved by Phidias and erected on the Akropolis to commemorate the Battle of Marathon. The tip of Athena's spear and the rest of her helmet were visible from Cape Sounion.

In Athens, there were numerous taverns, whose managers were often mocked in the plays of Aristophanes. The wine served in taverns could be red, or rosé, and up to 16% proof.

This was the sanctuary of the healing god whose cult was introduced to Athens in the 5th century BCE. Its construction was funded by a wealthy Athenian named Telemachos.

This temple was located on a headland on the island's north side, facing Atika. The shrine hosted a grand feast each year in honor of Athena, the protector of Salamis' farmers and sailors.

Erected on a hill, this Doric temple overlooking the agora is dedicated to Hephaistos, god of the forge, and to Athena Ergane, goddess of arts and crafts. A garden adjoined the temple.

This was built inside the god's sanctuary and introduced Greek theater to the heart of the city. The great works of Euripides, Aischylos, Sophokles, and Aristophanes were performed there.

Delos

Datis was a Persian general who served the Persian empire under Darius I. On his return from the Battle of Marathon in 490 BCE, he stopped at Mykonos and Delos.

Elis

The Olympic Games drew many travelers, many of whom came by sea. Shipwrecks were frequent and a valid excuse for athletes' late arrivals.

Euboea

Renowned for its metalworking and bronze weapon manufacturing, Chalkis was likely to fall away from Athens during the Peloponnesian War, and had to sign a treaty swearing loyalty to them.

The island was famous for its copper mines. The ore is one the ingredients in the alloy bronze, which was used to make sculptures, domestic items, small coins, and weapons.

This city on the island's west coast was known as the first target during the Persians' raid against Greece. Eretria was violently attacked or six days, with many residents taken to Persia.

Karystos was located at an important meeting point of shipping routes linking the Gulf of Euboea and the Aegean archipelago. It was also known for joining the Persian army in the Persian Wars.

Open-pit mines made ore extraction - done with wedges, pickaxes, and mallets - easier. Once a slab was freed, it could be moved with cranes, pulleys, levers, and rails.

When bought by cities, slaves were used for public services. When bought by private citizens, they did domestic tasks, built buildings, worked in mines and workshops, on farms, or as bankers.

The hollow cast-bronze statue of Zeus or Poseidon—known as the Artemision Bronze—was found off this cape.

This temple dedicated to the goddess was as large as Apollo's sanctuary on the island. Competitions, musical contests, sacrifices, and war dances were held there to honor Artemis.

Ithaka

This cave served as a shelter for the Naiads, young nymphs who spun the sea into a glistening purple cloth. Odysseus prayed here in joy upon his return.

Eumaios was Odysseus' loyal swineherd. He was the first to welcome him back to (sic) Troy and assisted him in the slaughter of Penelope's suitors.

Melanthios, Odysseus' goatherd, mistook him for a beggar upon his return and hit him. Sure his master had died in Troy, he betrayed him to impress Penelope's suitors.

Odysseus, the most illustrious of all Greek heroes, was among the chiefs who set out for Troy. He returned to Ithaka and reclaimed his palace twenty years later.

Named for the ancient sea god Phorkys, this bay was the first sight Odysseus saw upon his return. It provides a natural shelter for sailors from rough waters.

Odysseus planned the murder of his wife's suitors here upon his return.

Keos

The Akropolis of Karthaia housed sacred buildings, including the temples of Apollo and of Athena. Public laws were recorded inside the temple of Apollo, the divine protector of the island.

Close to Attika on the northwest side of the island, Koressia could be reached from Athens in 24 hours. Its economic history was tied to its silver mines and the miltos used to paint triremes.

Bacchylides, a great poet, of the fifth century BCE, was born on the island. His poems celebrated the gods, Athenian democracy, and Olympic winners such as the tyrant of Syrakousai.

Located on the west coast of the island and bordering a fertile valley, Poiessa was an important farming area. Its spot was advantage for coastal defense and monitoring maritime traffic to Athens.

Aphrodite had an important role in Keos—especially for magistrates who made offerings and dedications to her. It was thought she would watch over all civic matters and protect their positions.

Kephallonia

The largest on Kephallonia, the "Blue Cave" houses a small lake. It is part of a large cave system with more interconnected underground lakes.

Prehistoric bones were found inside this cave which reaches depths of 95 meters.

The ancient Greek word "kleptes" lives on as the root word of kleptomania, which describes an impulse to steal—usually without an economic motive.

Located near the city of Pronnoi, Kephallonia's only lake is so deep that it was long believed to have no bottom.

The Lightning Zeus is depicted as such to mirror the geophysical phenomena of Mount Ainos, known for its spectacular thunderstorms.

The Melissani Cave is dedicated to the god Pan. Located 20 m below ground, it is 160 m long and 40 m deep. it contains stalactites that are over 20,000 years old.

Sami is the oldest city on Kephallonia, an island reputed for the wood of its abies cephalonica (sic) fir trees.

Here, atop the island's tallest mountain, two of Jason's argonauts prayed to the Zeus of Ainos to give them the strength to defeat winged monsters called Harpies.

Early Greek temples were built out of clay and wood. Stone structures weren't adopted until the seventh century BCE.

Chthonios Zeus is the god of the earth credited with bountiful harvests.

This Mycenaean tomb notably housed the bones of seventy-two people. Among the remains were valuable offerings discovered near Pronnoi, believed to have belonged to ancient Ithakan nobility.

Kausos is the ancient Greek word for fever, a symptom of malaria noted by Hippokrates. The disease was a driving force behind the depopulation of rural areas.

Korinthia

Ameinokles, the Korinthian shipbuilder, was the first Greek to build a trireme. This light, agile model with a rostrum for ramming became the main combat vessel of the fifth century BCE.

Lakonia

Sparta's male education system, the agoge, had a mainly military aim. It was the longest education system in the Greek world, with males age 7-29. Only heirs of royal families didn’t participate.

Legend has it that Kastor and Polydeukes were born on Mount Taygetos, near Sparta. The two young heroes were central to the Spartan warrior ritual at the beginning of campaigns.

According to tradition, Amyklai was the home of Tyndareus and his two illustrious boys, Kastor and Polydeukes. It was known for its abundance of fruit trees.

Young Spartans performed ritual battles in the island-shaped area. Before combat they sacrificed a black puppy to the god of war Enyalios, and then organized wild boar fights.

The Dromos course was for footraces, but it was also the place where young people were integrated into the city. Young Spartans offered sacrifices at a statue of Herakles when they became adults.

Gorani was the best known marble quarry in Sparta. Very fine-grained, light gray marble was extracted there.

The Perioikoi may not have been equal to Spartan citizens, but they too were involved in the military affairs of the Lakedaimonian army, serving as hoplites.

Limnai was one of the original villages that formed Sparta. The temple of Artemis Orthia was nearby, whose worship was associated with the long process for future Spartan citizens.

Mesoa was one of the four villages that united in the eighth century BCE to form the Spartan city-state under the authority of two families of kings: the Eurypontids and the Agiads.

This underwater city, whose first traces of dwellings date back to 5000 BCE, was home to monuments and tombs. It is said to have been engulfed after a series of devastating earthquakes.

Like Mesoa, Pitana was one of the four original villages that formed Sparta. The Agiads, one of Sparta’s royal families, originated there.

The temple of Athena Chalkioikos on the akropolis was one of Sparta’s most important monuments. The bronze sheets that decorated its interior gave birth to the name Chalkioikos.

Generally a place of worship for women, this temple was set on a hill opposite the Spartan akropolis. During the god’s annual feast, a footrace involving eleven girls was held.

Orestes's bones were returned to Sparta from Tegea on the Delphic Oracle's advice. The Spartans thus enabled eternal protection of the hero, who was associated with the city’s legendary past.

Sparta based its military power mainly on its land troops, preferring to use its allies' naval contributions. Despite this, they used Gytheion as a port.

Lokris

Opous was Lokris's main city and the hometown of the hero Patroklos. It was famed for aiding Leonidas during the Persian wars and for its pirates harassing fifth-centry BCE Athenian traders.

Aptly named "white gold," sea salt was vital for adding flavor to food, but also for conserving, dyeing, and perfumery. The harvesting and trading of sea salt was a strictly systemized business.

Megaris

Tripodiskos was born when an Argive brought a tripod from Delphi. They had orders from the Pythia that wherever it fell, he must live and build a temple to Apollo.

Mt. Geraneia, or "crane hill," was named for the flock of cranes that showed Megaros the way to its peak to escape a flood.

Pagai held strategic importance during the Persian War, and played a pivotal role during the Peloponnesian War.

Megara occupied a territory that held great military and commercial (importance) in mainland Greece.

Panormos was renowned for its harbor, an excellent site to drop anchor.

This Persian cliff was named after the nephew of Darius. He attempted to kill the Megarians by night, but ended up shooting arrows into the cliff face instead.

The Persians fought a losing battle at Salamis. The resulting shipwrecks littered the Greek coasts, souvenirs of their defeat.

This statue of the god of wine and fertility is located close to Megara. Only its face is visible—the rest of the body is hidden by foliage.

Apollo was one of the foremost gods in Megara, but this temple didn't necessarily reflect his importance. It was made of weak clay bricks, which eventually crumbled.

The Sanctuary of Athena was built on the Akropolis. Inside were three temples dedicated to worshipping her.

This stone pyramid was built at the city limit in tribute to Apollo Karinos.

Megarians believe the corpse of Ino washed up on the coast after she threw herself into the sea with her son. There is a sacrifice each year in her honor.

Messenia

King of Pylos and ruler of Messenia, Nestor traveled Greece with Menelaus to form an army, leading an expedition against the city of Troy. He was the oldest and wisest hero in the Trojan War

Naxos

Taking revenge on pirates who kidnapped him for money, Dionysos immobilized their ship in ivy vines. Driven mad, the pirates dove into the water and were turned into dolphins.

Being in love with Poseidon, Iphimedeia often walked to the sea and collected its waters in her lap. There she became, by Poseidon, the mother of the Aloadai, Otos and Ephialtes.

Mykonos

According to a late tradition, the Lokrian Ajax, the ancient hero of Troy, was buried in Mykonos.

Phokis

The Athenians dedicated this treasury to Apollo as the first fruits from the Persians at the Battle of Marathon.

The Bouleuterion was the seat of a small local council which had judicial and financial powers. They met there every six months.

When he went to consult the Oracle of Delphi, Laios, the father of Oedipous, was killed by his son without either knowing who the other was.

While making sacrifices for a bountiful harvest the king of Kalydon forgot the altars of Artemis. To retaliate, Artemis sent a wild boar to ravage the country.

Pilgrims, the Pythia, and priests alike were required to perform ablutions here before consulting the oracle.

This bull was offered by the people of Korkyra after a miraculous day of tuna fishing.

This building was a meeting and dining place that was decorated with paintings commemorating the fall of Troy and the return of the victorious Greek heroes.

This monument was dedicated in 465 BCE to cemmorate the battle of Marathon, which took place 30 years prior.

Naxos, a rich island in the Kyklades renowned for its artistic tradition, consecrated this votive in remembrance of its privilege to consult with the Pythia before others.

This palm was erected by the Athenians following their victory over the Persians at the Battle of Eurymedon. The victory put an end to the threat of another Persian invasion of Greece.

Apollo used arrows to kill the monstrous serpent Pytho (sic), who originally guarded the oracle. For Greeks, the victory represented the triumph over chaos.

According to the Delphians, this rock was where a woman bearing the nickname Sibyl settled to sing her prophesies. It was said her inspiration came from within.

Skyros

The city of Skyros, which shares the island's name, was famed for its goats and marble quarries. It had a fortified akropolis, a port, and sanctuaries dedicated to Achilles and Athena.

When Theseus returned to Athens, other factions had seized power. He decided to leave the city and return to Skyros, but he was betrayed by King Lykomedes, who tossed him off a cliff.

In Greek mythology, Achilles was hidden in childhood on Skyros and disguised as one of King Lykomedes's daughters. It was an attempt to elude the fatal destiny he met during the Trojan War.

Trivia

Appearances

References