GREECE CENTRAL GREECE EVVIA ERETRIA ANCIENT CITY

the Gymnasium

the North Quarter

the West Quarter

the Industrial Quarter and the Sebastieion

Roman baths and thermae

The site of Eretria was already inhabited in the 3rd - 2nd millenium BC. At the beginning of the 8th century BC, Eretria became one of the most important cities in Greece, having developed commercial ties around the whole Mediterranean. The wealth of the city is demonstrated by the opulent sanctuary of Apollo Daphnephoros founded in this period.

Eretria was sacked by the Persians in 490 BC because of its support of the Ionian uprising. During the 5th century, the city was a member of the Attic-Delian League. In 411 BC, the Euboian cities freed themselves from Athenian domination, and in the 4th century Eretria flourished anew. The mighty city walls and most of the impressive remains that we see today all date from this thriving period.

At the end of the 4th century BC, Eretria came under the domination of the Macedonian kings. In 198 BC it was stormed by the Romans. After a short period of relative prosperity it lost its importance and was abandoned in late antiquity.

the Gymnasium

The Hellenistic Gymnasium - or "Upper Gymnasium" - was constructed at the end of the 4th century BC, coinciding with the construction period of the nearby theatre, followed by many repairs, alterations and additions until the Roman period. The installations are grouped around palaestra, a peristyle open court, laid with fine sand on which the athletes trained. The surrounding stoas were mainly used for protection against the weather, but also for gathering, social intercourse, instruction and dining. - The site is fenced and can only be viewed from outside.