Athens. Sparta. We have heard these names since childhood. Ancient, enticing places that were the superpowers of their day. We know that Athens (the city of philosophers) still exists, but what about the other city-states that deserve equal recognition? Sparta was the military genius of the time. The name still sends shivers down modern backs. Corinth was a trading center, full of wealth and grandeur. Thebes, though not as important as its Greek neighbors, achieved glory from legends about its scrap with Sparta. Are any of these sites still in existence? Are they in ruins, or have modern cities grown up around the old ones?
Athens. Thousands of history-loving travelers throughout the years have chosen Athens as their destination. Though there is a somewhat modern flavor (witnessed by the flow of crowds and constant traffic) the Acropolis and its trademark Parthenon brings a sense of ancient times. Located in the region known as Attica, Athens is also home to the Temple of Olympian Zeus and various museums that showcase everything from art to history.
Other ancient sites in modern-day Athens include the Erechtheion (a temple worth the trip) and the Theater of Dionysos. Take an Athens Walking Tour to fully appreciate everything both old and new that the city has to offer. Visitors to Athens should spend at least a few days in the area, and don’t forget to try the Greek specialties at a few of the local restaurants! Greece is a great place to experience new culinary sensations and Athens is no exception.
Sparta. Though most of the historical city has fallen into ruins, modern Sparta is located near the original site. Sparta is in the Laconia region of Greece. Unfortunately, there are very few ruins to explore, but even these places evoke a small sense of the city’s ancient might. The Ancient Theater, Acropolis, and Temple of Artemis Orthia are a few places to explore, and you should not miss the Archaeological Museum of Sparta on your visit. It explains much of the history of the area and gives a better appreciation to those visiting the ruins.
Greeks are known for rebuilding; the new Sparta rose from the ground in the 1830s, so there is a huge gap between ancient ruins and more modern homes and churches. Don’t forget to stop by the Sparta market for a real taste of Greece.
Thebes. Now known as Thiva or Thivai, Thebes (in the region of Greece called Boeotia) was once an ancient city-state that did not quite share the importance of its Greek neighbors. Remains from antiquity include the Kabeirion Sanctuary and the acropolis. The acropolis has been “invaded” by newer architecture, a disappointing fact for historians, but a quick study of the area should explain what was where. Though there aren’t many tourist attractions here, it is still a crucial stop to anyone wishing to visit the sites that were important in the history of ancient Greece.
Corinth. Known in Greek as Korinth, it can be found in the Peloponnese region. The ancient name was “Korinthos.” Much of the city’s natural beauty comes from its high, rocky acropolis, soaring above sea level. The columns of the Temple of Apollo (the ancient Greek god of the sun) stand starkly above the barren ground. A few columns still stand from Octavia’s Temple as well. The Peirene Spring is nestled between columns and other ruins; the site gives just the slightest hint of what Corinth must have been like in its heyday.
The newer Corinth didn’t come about until the 1850s after a natural disaster; it was raised after many trials and errors as nature forbade rebuilding over the years. This Greek city doesn’t have very much to see and do since it is a thoroughly modern locale. The ruins are the most interesting thing Corinth has to offer.
Delphi. This is without question one of the most beautiful historical sites in Greece. Some of the more striking attractions are the Temple of Apollo and Mount Parnassus; located in a valley, the ruins seem alive with the spirit of the past. The Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia with its remaining columns is particularly photogenic. In ancient times, the city was the home of the famous Oracle of Delphi; people braved the hazards of mountain travel to consult the oracle about many things. Greek history attests to this mysterious figure’s importance. The ruins of the Temple of Apollo are stunning, brown pillars reaching to the sky as breathtaking mountains form an amazing backdrop.
Other former Greek city-states to explore are Argos, Mykenae, and Sikyon; if you want to get a real feel for the past and stand where your ancient ancestors stood, these Greek destinations are a wonderful choice. Modern cities have grown up around a few of these sites but others are relatively untouched by newer construction.
