Ancient Messene by Petros Themelis

Location

Ancient Messene was the capital of Messenia. It lies in the southwestern part of the Peloponnese and is built near the present-day village of Mavromati, cradled in the green sides of Mount Ithome that gently descend in the Messenian plain. The name of the city comes from the mythical queen Messene, daughter of the king of Argos, Triopas. Ancient Messene is one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece and one of the best-preserved cities of the ancient world. Upon first contact with this significant and imposing archaeological site, the visitor feels awe.

The Archaeological Site

The city had a massive wall, the circumference of which was nine kilometers long, and two

gateways, the Arcadian and the Laconian gates. The archaeological site of ancient Messene comprises the entire area within the fortified enclosure. In addition, that is, to the organized and enclosed part, which is directly connected to the Archaeological Museum, it also includes Mount Ithome, where the Acropolis (citadel) and the Sanctuary of Zeus Ithomatas were located near the old Voulkanou or Vourkanou Monastery. Also included are the Sanctuaries of Eileithyia and the Kouretes and the Sanctuary of Artemis Limnatis on the northeastern slopes of the mountain. In the present-day village of Mavromati stands the ancient Fountain of Klepsydra, which still supplies water to the area.

The old Voulkanou Monastery.

Further enhancing the experience is the Sanctuary of Asclepius, the god of healing, which served as a significant center for medical practices in the ancient world. Exploring Ancient Messene feels like stepping into history, revealing the architectural skill and cultural depth of this extraordinary city.

The Archaeological Museum

The Museum of Ancient Messene sheds light on important aspects of the area’s historical past.

It is located near the archaeological site of Ancient Messene, 500 meters from the center of Mavromati village. More than 12,000 finds are kept in the museum, a two-story building at the entrance of the archaeological site. Among the sculptures in the Museum's collection, Doryphoros of Polykleitos, Artemis Laphria, Hermes of the Andros-Farnese type, and parts of sculptures by Damophon of Messene stand out.

Statue of Artemis Laphria.

The Monuments of The Archaeological Site

The Arcadian Gate

An imposing monument, a symbol of power, and an example of high fortification technique, the Arcadian Gate was one of the two gateways to Ancient Messene and part of the ancient city's fortifications. It survives in reasonably good condition and is the hallmark of the town. It is a monumental construction erected with large limestone rectangular stone blocks that inspire awe in the visitor. It is circular and spacious, with two entrances, a double one in the interior and an external one. The inner one led to a paved road towards the city's Agora, and the outer one led to a road towards the capital of Arcadia, Megalopolis. Outside the Arcadian Gate was unearthed a cluster of funerary monuments used during the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th centuries CE to bury members of the city's elite families.

The Ancient Theater.

The Stadium and the Gymnasium

The well-preserved Stadium is one of the most impressive structures. It consists of 18 rows of seats separated by staircases and is surrounded by Doricstoas that housed the Gymnasium. The northern horseshoe-shaped section of the Stadium comprises 19 wedge-shaped divisions of seats with 18 rows of stone seats separated by staircases. It is surrounded by Doric stoas, where the Gymnasium was housed. The western stoa is interrupted at 110 m from its northern end and ends in a Doric peristyle atrium identified as the Palaestra. Inscribed pedestals, set between the columns of the west stoa, bore statues of Gymnasiarchs (Gymnasium officials), and many ephebic catalogs were located nearby.

The Heroon

An integral part of the Stadium is the Heroon, which was in the form of a Doric temple with four

columns in front. It is located on the south side of the Stadium, built on a rectangular podium that

juts out of the wall like a bastion. The temple-like structure was a funerary building, a kind of Heroon-Mausoleum, belonging to the tradition of the Asia Minor mausoleums. Some of its features relate it to the Heroon of Calydon. A personage of wealth and influence, on whom the Messenians, according to Pausanias (4. 32,2), bestowed honors befitting a hero, was the Messenian high priest for life and Helladarch (leader of the Assembly of Hellenes) Saithidas. Therefore, it is certain that the Stadium's Heroon-Mausoleum belonged to the Saithidae family. The prominent family members were buried in it and received hero’s honors from the foundation of the Heroon in the 1st century CE until at least Pausanias' visit (155-160 CE).

The Ecclesiasterion.

Uncovering Messinia’s Treasures

Messinia offers a wealth of history and culture, inviting visitors to explore some of the most exceptional ancient sites in Greece. From the impressive ruins of Ancient Messene to the well-preserved Palace of Nestor and the stunning Sanctuary of Apollo Epicurius, each location tells a unique story.

Travelers with an interest in ancient history will find Messinia a captivating destination. As they wander through ancient streets and admire architectural wonders, they will leave with an enriched appreciation for the rich heritage of this remarkable region.

For those wishing to delve deeper into the history and archaeology of Messinia, Petros Themelis’ book Ancient Messene (Militos Editions) is an essential reference.

Messinia continues to unveil its secrets, standing as a testament to the enduring legacy of ancient Greek civilization. It invites all to explore its timeless wonders.