Tiryns

Historical Background: Tiryns has been inhabited since prehistory. The Late Helladic period marked the city’s greatest growth. The disaster at the end of the Bronze Age affected Tiryns. In the Classical period, Tiryns became relatively insignificant. The Acropolis was constructed in three phases during different periods. Legendary Origins: Homer praised Tiryns’ massive walls. The walls were attributed to the Cyclopes due to their enormous size. Pausanias noted the stones’ immovability. The walls are associated with Proetus, sibling of Acrisius, king of Argos. The legend links Argolic centers with mythical heroes Acrisius, Proetus, and Perseus. Architectural Features: Walls extend to the entire hilltop area. Wall height estimated at 910m, 6 meters thick, up to 17 meters at tunnel points. A transverse wall divides the acropolis into two sections. Ruins include a palace with an outer portico, prodomos, and domos. An imposing circular structure served as a fortified area or royal residence. Cultural Development: Greek inhabitants settled Tiryns in the Middle Helladic period. The disaster at the end of the Bronze Age affected Tiryns. Precious items were deposited in Tiryns during the LHIIIC period. Tiryns participated in the Battle of Plataea in 480 BC. Many Tirynthians moved to found the city of Halieis. Historical Events and Decline: Tiryns was occupied by Argive slaves after a defeat by Sparta. Argos destroyed Mycenae and Tiryns in 468 BC. Tiryns became relatively insignificant in the Classical period. The palace area was inhabited into the early Archaic period. Tiryns saw growth during the Late Helladic period but declined in later periods.