Dion (Greece). City of Zeus. Archaeological Park of Dion in Greece Dion is an ancient city in Greece
Narrating about the divine love of Zeus for Fie, the daughter of the destroyer of the Greeks Deucalion, Geosid says that the girl became pregnant by the god and bore him two sons, Macedon and Magnet. They lived near Olympus in Pieria. The sacred site of Zeus in these lands was Dion in the foothills of Olympus. Ancient Dion, it was first mentioned by the ancient Greek historian Thucydides, when describing the route of the campaign of the Spartan commander Brasidas, through Thessaly, to the country of his ally, King Perdicus 2. This was the first city that Brasidas met on the way, crossing the border in the summer of 424 BC n. e.
Philip and Alexander, after winning the popes, held holidays in Dion and made sacrifices to Zeus and the Muses, and also made athletic competitions obsolete. According to Diador, Alexander the Great celebrated the preparations for his famous campaign with celebrations in Dion. Many ancient writers report on the masterpiece of Lysippos, created at the behest of Alexander and installed in Dion. This work depicted 25 mounted getters who fell in the Battle of Granicus. These statues were later taken to Rome. Alexander’s special love for Dion is evidenced by the desire written in his will to erect a majestic temple of Zeus here.
The last mention of Dion dates back to the tenth century, in the work of Constantine Bagrynarodny “On Themes”. Since the Renaissance and later, the inscription Dium was mentioned on maps, the current inhabitants call the fortified city “Kastro” (Fortress), which corresponds to the reality of the early Christian era. In 1973, a new period of excavations began under the leadership of the Greek archaeologist, Professor Dimitris Pandermalis. In 1983, thanks to the personal interest of the then The President of Greece, K. Karamanlis, is building an archaeological museum in Dion. To this day, excavations are being carried out in the city of Dion by students and graduates of Arestotelous University, Thessaloniki.
Ioannina. Capital of Epirus
Church of Our Lady of Apparitions
The Sanctuary of Hera can be reached either from Mycenae along the new national highway, or from Argos via Neo Ireo or Chonika. In the center of the village there is a Byzantine temple dedicated to the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, built in 1144. It is considered one of the best preserved temples of the Komnenos dynasty. It belonged to the monastery complex, which was located on the site of the modern village
Sights of Kyparissia
This town is located in one of the mainland parts Greece and already fell in love a huge number tourists. Kyparissia is located in the Peloponnese. Guests visit this town all year round. Of course, you can swim in summer and early autumn. Here are golden beaches and beautiful shores of the Ionian Sea. The resort has gained fame as a rather calm place, which is popular with both young people and the older generation. The abundance of greenery, as well as a lot of cultural and historical attractions make the town unforgettable.
Epidaurus in Greece. Sights of Epidaurus.
Monasteries of Holy Mount Athos. Iveron, Iveron Monastery.
Iveron Monastery (Iviron) is a Greek Orthodox monastery, which ranks third in importance among the Athos monasteries. Iviron is located in the northeastern part of the peninsula, and was founded at the end of the 10th century by Georgian monks (in 980-983).
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GREECE PART I- [Greek Republic; Greek Ελληνική Ϫημοκρατία], state in the southeast. Europe, occupying the south of the Balkan Peninsula. Territory 131,944 sq. km, including islands of 25 thousand square meters. km, coastline has a length of 4100 km (including the islands, about 15 thousand km). On the… … Orthodox Encyclopedia
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Books
- Greece. Hellas. From Athens to the Peloponnese, A. G. Moskvin, S. M. Burygin. New release " Historical guide"continues the series of books dedicated to the land of Hellas. This time the reader will get acquainted with the historical and cultural riches mainland Greece. In the book…
Dion (Greek Δίον, Latin Dium) is a municipality and village in the state of Pieria, Greece. Dion is famous for its archaeological excavations and archaeological museum. The village of Dion is part of the community of the same name, which had a population of 1,336 according to the 2001 census. Until 1961, the village was called Malatria (Μαλαθριά), after which it was renamed in honor of the ancient city located nearby. Dion hosts the annual Olympus music and theater festival.
Geography
The village is located 15 km southwest of Katerini, 6 km from Thermaikos Gulf in Thessaloniki and north of the foot of Mount Olympus.
Antiquity
Dion was the cultural and religious center of Ancient Macedonia. The city's name is an alternative name for the Greek god Zeus ("Dias" - "Zeus"). The first mention of Dion is found in Thucydides, who wrote that it was the first city reached by the Spartan commander Brasidas on his way from Thessaly to Macedonia, passing through the kingdom of his ally Perdiccus II during his campaign against the Athenian colony of Thrace in 424 BC. e. According to Diodorus Siculus, in the 5th century. BC e. Archelaus of Macedon gives impetus to the development of the city by establishing nine days of festive sports competitions dedicated to Zeus. The city was destroyed twice, the first time by the Aetolians in 169 BC, and the second time by the Ostrogoths in the 4th century. AD
Excavations
British colonel and explorer William Luke, who stopped in this area on December 21, 1806, was the first to pinpoint the location ancient Dion. He published his discovery in 1835 in the third volume of the book “Travels in Northern Greece.” Archaeological research in this area began in 1928. Since the 70s, excavations were carried out by the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and headed by the famous Greek archaeologist Pandermalis, Dimitrios. During the excavations, perfectly preserved ancient baths, a Greek theater (built under Philip V), and a temple were found Zeus, the villa of Dionysus with beautiful mosaics, sanctuaries of the gods Demeter and Isis, part of the stadium, numerous statues, columns, mosaics, cobbled streets.
Dion Museum
Since 1983, the Archaeological Museum of Dion has been in operation, displaying finds discovered during the excavations of ancient Dion. The exhibition includes statues, funerary monuments, coins and other artifacts found during excavations of the ancient city.
Culture
Every year since 1972, the municipality of Dion hosts the Olympus festival of musical and theatrical arts. Over the almost forty-year history of the festival, famous Greek artists took part in it, including: Maria Farandouri, Marios Frangoulis, Georgios Dalaras, Nana Mouskouri, Anna Sinodinou, Timios Karakatsanis, Dimitrios Mitropanos and others.
Notes
A short video tour of the Dion Museum Findings from Dion...
Among the attractions of mainland Greece there is a whole scattering of such places that will take your breath away. We have already talked about some of them, for example, about. Today I will tell you about another amazing and atmospheric place - the ancient city of Zeus.
An hour's drive from the Pieria region, right at the foot of Olympus, is the small village of Dion. Life here flowed uneventfully until 1806, when the British traveler William Luke suggested that in antiquity there was a holy city Zeus. The excavations that began confirmed his assumption and immediately glorified the Greek village throughout the world.
Now Dion is a vast archaeological park on the Greek mainland, where excavations are still ongoing. Coming here, you get a wonderful opportunity to stroll through the streets of the ancient city, feel the atmosphere of Hellas, its life and culture.
The first mention of the existence of a city in the foothills of Olympus belongs to Hesiod. It was he who in the 7th century. BC. sang the divine love of the thunderer Zeus and the charming Greek woman Fia, daughter of the forefather of the Greeks Deucalion. According to legend, this love gave the world two sons - Macedon and Magnet. It was they who settled at the foot of Mount Olympus, building here a sanctuary of their father Zeus (in Greek, Dios). This sanctuary gave the name to the ancient city.
In the IV-III centuries. BC. The Macedonian king Arhalai, inspired by the story of Hesiod, founded a large city on this site, which very quickly became the cultural and spiritual center of Macedonia, comparable in importance to Olympia and Delphi. Temples, stadiums and theaters were built here, streets were paved with paving stones, and numerous sculptures were decorated. On the stage of the Dion Theater, the greatest ancient tragedian Euripides repeatedly showed his famous works.
Here his famous son, Alexander the Great, organized magnificent festivities and sports competitions so beloved by the Greeks. From here Alexander went on a military campaign to the East and here he erected a monument to 25 of his best cavalry warriors - hetaira - who laid down their lives for their king in the battle on the Granicus in May 334 BC. The monument is made in the form of shields and armor, which are located on the wall near the main road of the city.
After the death of Alexander the Great, Greece fell under the yoke of the Roman Empire and, although it enjoyed some freedom, many temples were destroyed and looted, monuments and sculptures were taken to Rome.
Later, in the 14th century. the city was completely destroyed by the Turks, and a series of earthquakes and floods completed the picture.
For several centuries these places fell into oblivion, and only the famous discovery of William Luke gave Dion new life. Now it is one of the most visited archaeological parks in mainland Greece, famous throughout the world.
What to see in Dion?
Many buildings and perpendicular cobblestone streets in Dion have been well preserved for 2,500 years. It seems that now a chariot will appear around the bend, and past, hurrying towards central square Residents of Hellas will run with jugs. However, the hum big city remains only in our imagination. Currently, the park is filled with peaceful silence and tranquility.
Literally right at the entrance, you will be greeted by several ancient sanctuaries. The first is dedicated to the fertility goddess Demeter.
A little further, across the bridge, is the main sanctuary in honor of the god Zeus. The sculpture of the Thunderer in the altar of the temple does not in any way remind of the strength of its owner. Zeus looks more like an ordinary person, sitting on a throne in simple sandals, and only sculptures of eagles nearby indicate that this is the supreme god of the Olympic pantheon.
Another sanctuary, found in the archaeological park of Dion, is now flooded with water. Inside the temple and main road Currently there is a small river flowing through it. Initially, Aphrodite of the foothills of Olympus was worshiped here; later Aphrodite was “replaced” by the Egyptian goddess of femininity and motherhood, Isis.
Near the temple there are several sculptures recreated by restorers. In a niche you can meet the goddess Isis, next to her companion is little Harpocrates - the Egyptian god of the winter sun, and on the opposite side of the river is the inspired Julia, who most likely lived in Dion and donated money for the restoration of temples.
Harpocrates - Egyptian god of the winter sun
Red poppies bloom in spring on the site of the preserved foundations of ancient houses. An incredible sight! New life among thousand-year-old stones preserving the memory of the past.
The foundation of the covered market with many small rooms around the perimeter has also been preserved here. In the center is a unique mosaic floor dating back to the 3rd century. BC. The composition depicts two pairs of athletes-wrestlers and slave boys at the edges. The mosaic is perfectly preserved. Only some fragments have been lost.
Nearby is an unusual device with recesses. In antiquity, this stone slab served as check scales. Bronze vessels with liquid were placed in the recesses. If the edge of the poured liquid coincides with the edge of the vessel, it means that you were not deceived in the market.
Behind the church there is a stunning view of the Olympic mountain range, where, according to legend, all the Greek gods lived. The peaks of Olympus are almost always hidden behind the clouds; it is considered rare luck to see them in their full grandeur.
Picturesque paths dotted with white daisies lead to a very mysterious structure. A hundred small pillars grow from the ground. We begin to wonder what they could serve for?
It turns out that these are ancient baths - thermal baths. On these posts there was a wooden floor, under which hot air circulated. Hollow walls were heated using the same principle. The thermal baths had pools with cold and hot water, as well as sewage drains. And this is all 2.5 thousand years ago! Here we see fragments of a mosaic floor that has been preserved for thousands of years.
IN ancient Greece Only men had the right to use public toilets. The seats are so close that people also gathered here to discuss important political and social matters. Rich men could send a slave here before visiting to warm the stone place.
Fresh running water flowed in a groove at his feet and floated sea sponge. In ancient times, sponges were used as toilet paper, and she was the only one for everyone. It sounds a little wild, but quite civilized.
It was with a public toilet that most often began antique city, it is now that most often becomes the last point on the route of an organized excursion.
If you have time, take another walk. In the archaeological park of Dion you will find, among other things, the Villa of Dionysus, which includes living quarters, workshops, a banquet hall, a library and a swimming pool, and an ancient amphitheater, which to this day hosts festivals of musical and theatrical art, and a stadium from which, like 2.5 thousand years ago, Olympic marathon runners began their run.
A complete list of attractions of the archaeological park can be found on the official website on the Internet. There are Greek, English and German versions with an interactive map.
On your way out, don’t forget to grab some water flowing straight from the top of the Olympic Mountains. This water is fresh and cold. Note to girls: in antiquity, the Greeks believed that water from the top of Olympus gives eternal youth and beauty. Who knows, maybe so? 🙂
How to get to the Archaeological Park of Dion?
Some tips on how to get here.
Of course, if it’s easier, you can take . Most often, excursions are organized from Thessaloniki or Chalkidiki and in one day they visit not only the archaeological park of the city of Zeus Dion, but also the Olympic mountain range. A similar excursion can be found from other cities of mainland Greece, for example, from Athens. True, it’s a long way to go from there.
You can get to Dion and public transport, for example, the same intercity buses KTEL systems of Pieria. True, you will have to travel with a transfer. First to Katerini (the capital of Pieria, where Dion is located), and then also by bus or taxi. The distance from Katerini is fifteen kilometers.
Do you prefer trains? Then from the Thessaloniki railway station you need to go towards Athens to the town of Litochoro. There is an archaeological park 10 kilometers from Litochoro. This distance, for example, can be covered by taxi.
Features of visiting the archaeological park of Dion in Greece
There is a fee to visit the archaeological park. In 2014, the entrance ticket cost was 4 euros, now it is approximately 6 euros.
In summer (from April to October) the park is open every day except Mondays, from 8:00 to 19:00. In winter (November to March), opening hours are reduced by 4 hours: from 8:00 to 15:00.
Photography is permitted on the territory of the archaeological park.
Visit ancient city in Dion and I guarantee you will never regret the time spent. The former greatness amazes and makes you stand in awe at the remains of the walls of houses, stone sculptures of gods and inhabitants, monuments of military exploits and evidence of the developed Greek civilization that have survived to this day.
But I’m not saying goodbye to Greece. Getting to know it and its attractions has just begun. Stay tuned for new posts.
The archaeological park of Dion fascinates with the beauty of nature, the breath of antiquity and the abundance of the water element.
City of Zeus- this is how the name can be translated Dion.
Founded in ancient times at the foot of the city inhabited by the gods Olympus, the city has played a role throughout its history religious center Macedonia, and subsequently throughout Greece. Dion, in importance in ancient Hellas, was not inferior to such world-famous ancient Greek cultural and religious centers as Delphi And Olympia. World famous plays were staged here for the first time in the theater. Euripides"Archelaus" and "Bacchae". Here to the sounds of the divine lyre Orpheus Rivers stopped, wild animals were humbled, and trees and stones danced. Here they thanked the gods with abundant sacrifices Philip and Alexander the Great, after the Chaeronean victory of 338 BC. From here, having made sacrifices to Zeus and the Olympians after the defeat of Thebes, the Great Alexander went on his Asian campaign. Here, after the fall of Macedonia, during the era of Roman rule, the center of the province was located and its own coin was minted. With the arrival of the Ottoman Turks, the city was destroyed to the ground.
Archaeological 20th century explorations at the site of ancient Dion led to a breakthrough in the study of history ancient world and gave a huge number of unique finds, such as one of a kind musical instrument "Gidravlis" and several unique Macedonian mosaics, which are exhibited today in the Museum and Archaeological Park of Dion.
Helpful information
In the town, where the vast majority of the population today are Vlachs and Sarakats, unique crafts and culinary traditions, whom you can meet during traditional festivities, which are usually held in the spring before the start of Lent.
How to get there
Regular transport: Dion is located near large cityKaterini, where you can get there and by railway And by regular bus both from Athens and Thessaloniki.
Auto: from Athens along the E75 highway, passing the Platamonas fortress on the right side, follow the signs to DION; from Thessaloniki along the E75 highway, passing the town of Katerini, follow the signs for DION.