It took years to build this place. Mycenaea, farther to the north is better situated defensively only in that it has the advantage of its two defiles protecting its flanks.
The stones used in their building are called "Cyclopean" since it was thought only a Cyclops would be strong enough to put them in situ. This is a fortress palace complete with fortifications. Its most impressive from below and mostly rubble above in the palace precincts. Still its well worth an a hours visit if in the neighborhood.
Tiryns (Tirintha) is 4km from Nauplio on the road to Argos, with the limestone quarries at Aghios Ilias from which
the ancient city was built on the way there, each with a chapel on it.
After that can be seen the penal Agricultural College established under the Kapodistrias government of 1828-31, which owned the field in which was discovered the Treasure of Tiryns (see below).
The 13 century BC citadel of Tiryns, of Cyclopean proportions, sits on the top of a low hill (27 meters/88.5feet) known as Palaiokastro (old castle/fortress) with reclaimed marshland in between it and the sea now covered with citrus trees.
In ancient times the sea was much closer, adding to the impregnability achieved by its massive walls.
The hill is one of several rising up out of the plain, where the ancient city lay unfortified.
More Ancient Tiryns (Tyrins) Argos Prefecture Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
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