Tag Archives: Archaeological sites

Olympia to Delphi (7): Nafpaktos→Delphi→Arachova (Peloponnese to Mainland)

It rained overnight in Nafpaktos. I went out to the shore in the morning between showers, saw some fishermen heading home, and the remains of a Venetian fortress, but didn’t find any beach glass. We headed for Delphi to hear from the oracle. Delphi is located in rough country, a lovely drive when someone elseContinue reading “Olympia to Delphi (7): Nafpaktos→Delphi→Arachova (Peloponnese to Mainland)”

Peloponnese (6): Pylos to Olympia and beyond

Another beautiful day in the Peloponnese began the view out our hotel window over the water looking tranquil in the rising sun. Our first stop was the fortress of Pylos and the small museum. The view over town was gorgeous. The museum had a few lovely examples of the fine crafts that were traded inContinue reading “Peloponnese (6): Pylos to Olympia and beyond”

Peloponnese (5): Ancient Messene, Nestor’s Palace, Pylos

We woke up to a clear day in Kalamata and set out for Messene, ancient capital city of the SW Peloponnese, a rare ancient city that was abandoned and not covered with later structures. Founded during the Bronze Age (3000-1000 BC) at the foot of Mt. Ithome, the settlement prospered based on agricultural richness ofContinue reading “Peloponnese (5): Ancient Messene, Nestor’s Palace, Pylos”

Peloponnese (3): Nafplio, Epidaurus, Sparta

We began the day with a stroll through Nafplio, a lovely seaside town, where I could easily imagine spending a couple of weeks in the summer. There’s even a seaside rock swimming pool that reminded me of the Sydney area. Nafplio was the first capital city of the modern Greek state, 1823-1834. It would beContinue reading “Peloponnese (3): Nafplio, Epidaurus, Sparta”

Peloponnese (2) Corinth, Nemea, Mycenae

Ancient Corinth We started the day with ancient Corinth, Akrokorinth, a very large site, an ancient city. When I read a brief history of Corinth, I found there is no brief history. Corinth was founded by a descendant of Zeus, the Triton Oceanus, or Sisyphus, depending on what myth you like best. The city wasContinue reading “Peloponnese (2) Corinth, Nemea, Mycenae”

A Week of Ruins in the Peloponnese (1)

We booked a week-long private tour to see archaeological sites in the Peloponnese, home of Sparta and Mycenae, the “sandy Pylos” of Homer, and other wonderful spots. One of the reasons we tried a private tour is that we are such terrible tour participants. We’ve each led more tours than gone as participants, and weContinue reading “A Week of Ruins in the Peloponnese (1)”

The Spondylus Route to archaeology, Ecuador

Romantically named, the Ruta del Spondylus highway borders the the ocean in places, then dips inland around high hills, making its way from northern Peru to northern Ecuador. It is named after the spondylus shell, brilliant orange or deep purple species that were used to make beads and jewelry by the ancient people of bothContinue reading “The Spondylus Route to archaeology, Ecuador”