GREECE PELOPONNESE ARGOLIS HYSIAI

Ancient Hysiai lies on a hill south of Achladokambos in a quite remote mountaineous region that can be reached on a byroad that branches off the road from Myloi to Tripolis. The area is so remote that you only meet a tortoise on the road. In Greek mythology, Pan - the god of wine, revelry, and protector of shepherds - was said to frequent this area.

Above: Looking from the East to the acropolis of Hysiai.

The first reference in history of the site dates back to 720 BC, under the name Isia, which was a stronghold that served as a front line defense for the kingdom of Argos during the wars between Argos and Sparta, as recorded by Thukydides and Pausanias. In 669/668 BC, the Argive tyrant Pheidon defeated the attacking Spartans here, but in 417/416 BC the Spartans were victorious, destroyed the city and killed its inhabitants.

Below: In the West the hill of the acropolis is very steeply declining and from the top you have awesome views to the plain. Below right a view to the railway station of Achladokambos.

Above: The destruction of the city by the Spartans in 417/416 BC was quite rigorous, leaving only very few remains of building foundations. - Below: The fortification walls seen from up close. They were described by Curtius as polygonal on ashlar foundations, and flanked by round towers. However, I saw only hints of polygonal masonry and not any remains of towers.

Above left: A view to nearby Panagia church from where the acropolis of Hysiai is easily ascended. - Below right: Celebrating the evening with a tasty souvlaki.