Description of the attraction
The ancient city of Tiryns was discovered during archaeological excavations on the Peloponnese island, a few kilometers north of Nafplio. The ancient settlement dates back to the Neolithic era. At the beginning of the 3rd millennium BC. Tiryns became the center of the Achaean state. Ancient Tiryns flourished between 1400 and 1200 BC. This ancient settlement, along with Mycenae, was the focus of the Mycenaean civilization.
On a low rocky hill in the middle of the valley was a well-fortified acropolis. Protected by huge walls, it served as the permanent residence of the ruler and a refuge for the city's inhabitants during the war. The city itself was located on a lower level. The structures of the Mycenaean period are of great historical and architectural interest: a palace, tunnels and powerful walls more than 7 m high and 8-10 m thick (in some places the thickness reached 17 m). Since the construction used huge boulders, such structures are called cyclopean. The city fell into decay by the end of the Mycenaean period, and in 468 BC. was finally destroyed by the Argos.
For the first time, archaeological excavations of this area were started by the German archaeologist Thyrsus back in 1831. In 1876, Heinrich Schliemann continued his research in this region. In 1884-1885, the famous archaeologist Wilhelm Dörpfeld joined Schliemann. During this period, the most important discoveries were made. Later, the excavations were directed by the German Archaeological Institute.
The monumental structures of Ancient Tiryns are rightfully considered to be the masterpieces of the Mycenaean culture. The impressive collection of artifacts from different eras, found during excavations, is of great historical interest. In 1999, Tiryns was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
