This book, illustrated in colour throughout, offers a concise presentation of the archaeological site of Ancient Messene, in the Greek Peloponnese, written by its excavator and head of the restoration program, and incorporating the latest results of archaeological research.

Guided by the book's informative texts, pictures and drawings, the visitor to the site can take in the history of the city, walk around its monumental fortifications and explore the Theatre, the Agora and its sanctuaries, the impressive Stadium with its Palaestra, as well as investigate the area of the funerary monuments.

Ancient Messene, in its capacity as a functioning archaeological and ecological park, has acquired its own unique dynamic and independent character. This is because the potential offered by the majestic remains of an entire ancient city, in combination with the controlled building activity in the surrounding modern settlements, has been substantially realized. In addition, the long-term investments in time and effort by all those who worked at the site since 1986 have paid dividends.

English language edition

About the Author

Petros Themelis was born in Thessaloniki and received his undergraduate degree in History and Archaeology from the Faculty of Philosophy at the University of Thessaloniki and a PhD from the Archaeological Institute at the University of Munich. Formerly Professor of Archaeology at the University of Crete, since 1986 he has run the excavation and restoration project in ancient Messene, for which endeavours he was awarded two Europa Nostra awards. He is an Honorary Professor of the University of Peloponnese.

Book Information
ISBN 9786185209483
Author Petros Themelis
Format Paperback
Page Count 144
Imprint Kapon Editions
Publisher Kapon Editions
Weight(grams) 640g
Dimensions(mm) 267mm * 196mm * 11mm