However, his father falsely believed that he had died. Theseus was successful in defeating the Minotaur. The people of Athens would have to send a number of locals as human sacrifices to Crete and the minotaur every year. This was a hideous half-human, half-bull creature that lived in the labyrinth at Knossos. From his passing, the waters obtained their name of the Aegean sea.Īccording to Greek mythology, Theseus had travelled to Crete to kill the minotaur. This was due to an unfortunate turn of events leading him to believe that his son Theseus had passed away. It is from here where it is said that King Aegeus of Athens leaped to his death in the sea. The area’s role in Greek mythology is also fascinating. Secondly, as the home of the magnificent temple of Poseidon, it was an important place for worship. Primarily, it was a strategic trading port. The city of Sounion played an important role in Ancient Greece. What could be a better location for a temple dedicated to the Greek God of the sea? Sounion in Greek Mythology Sounion Temple of Poseidon: Views from the Cape Here, sea waves splash violently against the rocks – something that seems even more dramatic on a windy or stormy day.įrom the Temple grounds, you have unparalleled views across the water to several uninhabited Greek islands. It is said that they knew they were almost home when they saw the marble columns of the Temple of Poseidon glistening beneath the Mediterranean sun.Īrriving at Sounion will take your breath away, regardless of how well-traveled you may be. Once upon a time, the Temple of Poseidon was an important Greek landmark for sailors and merchants approaching Greece by sea. They are scattered along the hilltops that surround the temple. The sunbleached ruins of crumbling old city walls and remnants of ancient houses are all that remain from Sounio’s impressive past. Its location made it excellent for trade and indeed, hundreds of merchants and sail boats would pass by here every day. Historically, Sounion was a very important port town. When you arrive at Sounion, you will notice that the two structures share a lot of similarities. This is the same year as the construction of the Parthenon. The temple dates all the way back to 444 BC. This clifftop plunges 65 metres into the sea. It is here where the ancient temple of Poseidon is perched precariously on the edge of a craggy bluff. This is the case whether you are fascinated by Greek mythology, or in search of a relaxing beach day by the sea. Sounion is one of the best excursions from Athens. However, the area has a lot more to offer than initially meets the eye.
It is the historic Temple of Poseidon that draws most people here.
The area is located just 45 miles south of Athens city centre. This area is often quite simply referred to as “Sounion”.Ĭape Sounion and its dramatic landscapes sit on the southernmost tip of mainland Greece. Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon is a great place to visit on a day trip from Athens.
0 kommentar(er)
