The City of the Cyclopes
Eight kilometres along the Argos-Nafplio road, the archaeological site of Tiryns stands as one of the most significant monuments of the Mycenaean civilisation. The hill fortification protecting the imposing palatial complex is such an impressive structure that the ancient Greeks believed it could not have been built by human hands. According to mythology, the architects of the city were the mighty Cyclopes, whom the founder, Proetus, brought from Lycia.
Myths and Supernatural Heroes
The most significant heroes of Greek mythology, possessing supernatural powers, such as Bellerophon, Perseus, and Heracles, are linked to Tiryns. The construction of its walls inspires awe even in today's visitors, as the perfect assembly of the colossal stones represents an unimaginable feat of engineering for that era.
A Journey Through History and its Golden Age
Archaeological finds reveal that the hill has been continuously inhabited since the Neolithic period, extending into Late Antiquity. The city experienced a period of significant prosperity during the Early Bronze Age (2700-2200 BC), evolving into a populous and thriving city. Atop the hill stands a remarkable circular structure, 27 metres in diameter, a testament to the power and wealth of Tiryns.
Architecture and Fortification
The fortifications were completed gradually, safeguarding the palace, the sacred places of worship, and the funerary monuments. The complex also included storage spaces, workshops, and dwellings, creating the image of a powerful administrative centre. The city continued to flourish for almost 2,000 years, until its final decline in the 5th century BC. Today, the ruins of Tiryns, together with Mycenae, are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, reminding us of the splendour of the Mycenaean world.
Myths and Supernatural Heroes
The most significant heroes of Greek mythology, possessing supernatural powers, such as Bellerophon, Perseus, and Heracles, are linked to Tiryns. The construction of its walls inspires awe even in today's visitors, as the perfect assembly of the colossal stones represents an unimaginable feat of engineering for that era.
A Journey Through History and its Golden Age
Archaeological finds reveal that the hill has been continuously inhabited since the Neolithic period, extending into Late Antiquity. The city experienced a period of significant prosperity during the Early Bronze Age (2700-2200 BC), evolving into a populous and thriving city. Atop the hill stands a remarkable circular structure, 27 metres in diameter, a testament to the power and wealth of Tiryns.
Architecture and Fortification
The fortifications were completed gradually, safeguarding the palace, the sacred places of worship, and the funerary monuments. The complex also included storage spaces, workshops, and dwellings, creating the image of a powerful administrative centre. The city continued to flourish for almost 2,000 years, until its final decline in the 5th century BC. Today, the ruins of Tiryns, together with Mycenae, are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, reminding us of the splendour of the Mycenaean world.
