Ancient Messene

Ancient Messene is similar to Olympia in many ways, except that Olympia is primarily a religious site where Messene is primarily a capital. This is the city founded in 369 BCE by the general who led the battle against Sparta that finally gave Messenians their independence. It became the primary home for Messenian exiles who returned after independence.
The 1st picture is the great theater that can seat 10,000. The 2nd picture is the north stoa of the upper level of the agora. The 3rd picture is the fountain of Arsinoë, named not for the sister of Cleopatra but the daughter of a local noble.
The 4th picture takes in the stadium with the gymnasium and palaistra together in the background.
The 5th picture is the Asclepion, the main building for administration and decision making of the city. The Temple of Asclepius is in the center.
The 6th picture is the Odeion in the building for the city council.Read more