3 Hidden Archaeological Gems in Attica for Day Trips

Whereas the archaeological websites of Elefsina and Vravrona are well-known, how many individuals have really been to Ramnous, the traditional Greek metropolis overlooking the Evian Gulf? What number of know that an essential oracle as soon as flourished in the close by city of Oropos, the place folks in antiquity consulted it for bodily and psychological therapeutic? What number of have seen the Egyptian statues within the small Sanctuary by the ocean in Nea Makri?

Spring temperatures are perfect for nice walks, and blooming wildflowers add coloration to the panorama, so Sunday outings change into extra interesting.

The Amphiareion in Oropos; the oracle of your desires

The Amphiareion is one among Attica’s most stunning archaeological websites, however it stays comparatively unknown to most individuals. Strolling by means of the archaeological web site, with its pine bushes and wild orchids in full bloom presently of 12 months, is a peaceable expertise, interrupted solely by the playful chirpings of birds. Nonetheless, 1000’s of individuals visited the oracle at its peak within the 4th century BC.

It was based within the latter half of the fifth century BC in response to a prophecy that the declining Amphiareion of Thebes ought to be relocated to Oropos. Right here, close to the Mavrodilesi, or Charadra, ravine in what’s now often called Kalamo, folks worshipped Amphiaraus, the chthonic god who may heal physique and thoughts along with his prophetic and therapeutic powers. Pilgrims sacrificed rams to the god, hung choices (small statues and miniatures of physique elements) on the altar or glued them with wax to his statue, dropped cash within the sacred spring, and slept on the sanctuary within the hope of being healed of their illnesses, as a result of historical beliefs held that the god’s remedy or counsel would come to them of their desires.

On one financial institution of the ravine, you may see the ruins of the official buildings (temple, theatre, altars, stoa, bathhouses), and on the opposite, what stays of the settlement, together with the ruins of a guesthouse, taverns, and the agora. A number of the extra spectacular items of the Amphiareion are the clepsydra, one among two identified historical monumental water clocks, and the 5 marble seats that also stand at present within the 2nd-century BC theater.

Rhamnous, an unforgettable outing

Snug footwear and a hat are required as a result of a go to to the archaeological web site of Rhamnous, north of Aghia Marina, is just not a easy affair, as it’s one among Attica’s largest and most essential archaeological websites, regardless of its relative obscurity. That is the place the traditional metropolis of the identical identify as soon as thrived, at a strategic location that allowed for unimpeded transport within the Evian Gulf and facilitated commerce. Rhamnous additionally housed an important sanctuary of Nemesis, the chthonic goddess of retribution.

The path to the archaeological web site is roughly 1.5 kilometers lengthy and follows a tough path with a spectacular view of the Evian Gulf. The positioning is well-preserved. Archaeologists consider that the area’s wildlife, in addition to its settlement, have remained largely unchanged since antiquity.

It is possible for you to to see the restored burial monuments and constructions that have been constructed alongside the primary road (as was additionally customary in historical Athens), in addition to the ruins of the Temple of Nemesis, which was constructed within the late fifth century BC (on the positioning of an older temple from the sixth century BC that was destroyed by the Persians). The statue of Nemesis, the work of Agoracritus, a scholar of Pheidias, as soon as stood right here.

Abnormal residents’ homes have been constructed across the Sanctuary, whereas the Fortress housed the agora, gymnasium, theatre, and the residences of outstanding residents. The stroll ends on the port gate, the place you will discover Rhamnous’ stunning hidden seashores. Nonetheless, as a result of the paths to the seashores haven’t been cleared of underbrush, they are often accessed through aspect roads.

Surprising encounters on the Sanctuary of the Egyptian Gods in Brexiza

Isis and Serapis, the Sphinx, symbols of the traditional Egyptian god Horus, oil lamps with depictions of Egyptian deities, statues depicted with their left foot ahead and arms held near the physique, the well-known knot of Isis (a pleated gown with the attribute knot), and a pharaoh’s costume with an Egyptian cobra headdress are a number of the surprises awaiting guests on the small archaeological web site of Brexiza in Nea Makri.

There aren’t many related sanctuaries in Greece, so this can be a uncommon likelihood to see solid replicas of the unique and get a peek inside a sanctuary devoted to the Egyptian gods. The orator, sophist and patron of Athens Herodes Atticus constructed his sanctuary and bathhouse right here in AD 160. Initially from Marathon, Herodes Atticus seems to have modelled his work after Emperor Hadrian’s Serapeum (his villa in Tivoli), who had primarily based his villa on the Serapeum that was situated in Canopus, on the Nile Delta. Each had been constructed on small islands, so Herodes Atticus’s sanctuary in Brexiza was additionally constructed on a small island, with the waters of Mikro Elos surrounding it within the winter and the reed beds with eucalyptus bushes including to the unique ambiance.

There are nonetheless excavations occurring within the space, so the accessible route is kind of restricted. Within the bathhouse, which might solely be seen from the skin, archaeologists have uncovered marble flooring, tanks, and hypocausts (central heating techniques). Nonetheless, you may at all times go to Marathon’s Archaeological Museum, which homes the unique statues, sculptures, and ritual oil lamps found on the web site. You can too mix your go to with a cease at the Tumuli and the dam of Marathon, and don’t neglect to convey your bathing swimsuit as a result of the Sanctuary is true subsequent to the ocean.