Description

Ancient Messini is one of the most significant ancient cities due to its size, shape and maintainance. It was built in 369 BC by the Theban General Epaminondas on the foothills of Mountain Ithome in place of prehistoric Ithomi with the help of Epitelis from Argos.

It was built to establish Messinian and Arcadian refugees and to create a powerful city, as a counter force to the hegemony of Sparta. Not only have temples and public buildings, but also fortifications and impressive residential and burial sites, too. Among other things, it has the rare privilege of not been destroyed or covered by modern settlements and is located in a prime Mediterranean predominantly intact natural environment.