GREECE PELOPONNESE ELEIA FIGALIA

Ancient Figalia

Ancient Figalia (southeast of Nea Figalia), in an isolated position on the borders of Eleia and Messenia, had a reputation for wizardry, witchcraft, and drunkenness. The city with an area of 1.5 x 2.5 km occupies an uneven plateau 300 m above the deep gorge of the Neda. - Figalia often aided Messenians in their wars and revolts against Sparta; in reprisal, the Spartans beseiged and occupied Figalia several times in the 7th and 6th century BC, in 421-414 BC, and again in 401-395 BC. Being a member of the Aetolian and Achean Leagues in the Hellenistic period, it declined in Roman times.

No systematic excavation of the ancient city has been carried out yet, but many remains of the archaic, Classical, and Roman periods lie exposed in the landscape. Especially the city wall of the 5th and 4th century BC is preserved with a length of more than 4 km, impressively winding about the hills.

Temple of Athena

In the area of Figalia, a small temple has been excavated. It is a sanctuary dedicated to Athena and Zeus Soter, but so far I could not find more detailed information.