Ancient Messini is located at about 60 km away from Foinikounta, at the western foothills of Mountain Ithomi. It is one of the most important and best preserved archaeological sites in Greece, with lots of impressive temples, houses, walls and public buildings within its limits.
Historical Background
Ancient Messini was built in 369 BC by the Theban General Epaminondas, after the battle of Leuctra, where he defeated the Spartans and freed the Messenians from Spartian dominance.
The city got its name from the mythical Doric queen of the country, Messini, daughter of the king Triopas of Argos.
Ancient Messini was constructed following the so-called “Hippodameian system”, according to which, all buildings have the same orientation and the space is divided into horizontal and vertical axes.
Monuments in Ancient Messini of most importance.
- The Wall that surrounded the city with two monumental gates, the Arcadian Gate and the Laconian.
- The Theatre of Ancient Messini and Agora
- The Fountain of Arsinoe, daughter of the legendary king of Messinia, Leucippus, and mother of Asclepius.
- Asklipieio, the most famous place of Ancient Messini area as center of public life in the city along with the market.
- The Stadium and Gymnasium are among the most impressive building blocks of Ancient Messini because of their good condition.
Most of the findings of the excavations are kept in the museum of Ancient Messini, a building just before the entrance at the archaeological site.
