Continuing on our journey through Greece during August 2024 we decided to stop at the Ancient Theater of Argos. Much to our delight, right across the street was the Ancient Agora of Argos! We had not known about the Agora so we were excited to be able to explore this area as well. Argos has the distinction of being one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world! Admission to the Agora is included in the ticket for the Ancient Theater
Location
After visiting Larissa Castle of Argos, the 6.6 km drive (4.1 miles) to the Ancient Theater of Argos took about 15 minutes and is another great spot in Greece. The Ancient Theater is about 13.5km (8.4 miles) from Anthemion Suites and Villas where we were staying in Nafplio.
The Ancient Theater
As it was just before noon when we arrived the heat was quite oppressive. We did a quick tour of this amazing theater. Normally we would wander around more and muse about how times were. We would also climb to the top row of the seats. But unfortunately, it was just too hot. On the walk way towards the theater, we noticed an aqueduct. This aqueduct, built in Roman times, supplied water to the town and Agora area.
The Ancient Theater of Argos, which was built between 300 and 250 BC, could hold 20,000 people. The Theater of Argos is one of the largest in Greece. If you lived in ancient times, you could enjoy music and drama presentations here. In addition, Nemean games and games to honor the god Hera took place in this theater.
There are 89 rows of seats here, and on the floor, there is a circular area for a large orchestra. In 2 AD, during the Roman occupation of this area, games honoring the Roman Emperor were added. During this time, people could watch Roman types of sports, including duels and contests involving wild animals. To protect the onlookers from the unpredictable nature of these events, sturdy fences were built around the stadium. During the 4th century AD, water sports were added, and a large pool was constructed in the area of the orchestra! However, the usage of the theater began to decline in the 5th-6th century AD, leading to its eventual disrepair. Despite this, parts of it remained visible through the centuries, serving as reminder of the ancient past.
Roman Baths
Near the Ancient Theater are the Roman Baths.
Ancient Agora
The City of Ancient Argos traces back to the early bronze age, (1700-1100 BC). The Ancient Agora of Argos began around the 5th century BC. After the fall of the Mycenaen culture, Argos continued to exist and by the 7th century was prospering. The Agora was the heart of the city. This is where people conducted business and where public buildings and ornate monuments stood. By the 4th century AD the Agora had become an area of residential quarters and workshops.
Today, the area stands in ruins, a recollection of its former glory. Without the help of signs, we would not have been able to distinguish one building from another. Parts of the landscape are nearly indistinguishable amid the crumbling structures and overgrown vegetation. Even with the signs, this was a particularly hard area to visualize for me. It felt kind of like a jigsaw puzzle where many pieces were missing or out of place! I extensively researched Argos Agora while writing this post but did not find a lot of information. Most information was the same as what was available at the site. I have written it to the best of my comprehension, hoping to convey the history within these ruins. That being said, it is a wonderful site.
As I mentioned earlier, it was so very hot during our visit. Therefore, we did not stay long, yet even in our short time there, we still enjoyed this historical site. This is one area I a guided tour would be useful. I imagine an expert could reveal countless details that would bring this area to life and fill in the holes.
The Column Hall
This square building is the oldest of the excavated monuments in the Argos Agora, built between 475 and 450 BC. Excavation shows the exterior entrance was once adorned with 15 Dorian columns. Once inside, the interior entrance held an additional 16 Ionian Columns which supported the roof. It was for meetings of the city and called a Bouleuterion which is a building that holds the council. This council makes decisions for the public in a democratic government.
The Southern Gallery and the Palaestra
On the Southern Gallery or Stoa of the Argos Agora stood a large and impressive structure that played a significant role in the daily life of the ancient city. Dorian columns, bordered three sides: East, West, and North. This courtyard served as a gathering place for citizens. During the 1st century AD, a Palaestra (which is a training room for athletes) was built. A bathing complex was also in this area. Over the years, by the 4th century AD, houses became the norm in the stoa area. The eastern side does not look to have as much excavation as the north and west areas. I admit I struggled to understand this area and unfortunately could not visualize it. From what I can tell, the Palaestra is the closest ruin in my photo below.
Dromos
A dromos is a passage way that at one time athletes used going to the theater. The dromos ran along thee Southern Gallery and continued to the Stadium. There is no visual evidence of this passage but the belief is the Agora and Theatre were connected this way.
The Square Nymphaeum
This square building was a monument fountain house. It was built in 150-200 AD. Consecrated to Nymphs, this building especially honored the Nymphs of spring. Inscribed on their monument is a dedication by the family of Tiberii Iulii to keep his memory perpetual.
Northern Gallery and Agora Theater
Built in the 4th century BC the northern area held workshops. Also in this zone you can see a sunken area which is the Agora Theater. This semi-circular area, used for religious activities as evidenced by the remains of an altar within it. This theater could hold 80 people so it had some sort of public use.
The Tholos
This semi circular building built in the 1st century BC contained 8 Corinthian columns on its exterior.
The Drain of Argos
During the 6th century BC, the people of Argos constructed a drain system. Rain water naturally flows to the town of Argos as it sets beneath the hill of Larissa. This covered drain system channeled water away from the Agora. We both found this impressive.
Remnants of Mosaic Flooring
My favorite thing to see in the Argos Agora was the mosaic flooring remnants. In my opinion, this area is the most impressive. We found these while wandering around. I did not see any sinage for this nor could I find much about this while researching for this post.
Miscellaneous Photos of The Agora
As I mentioned above, I had a hard time identifying quite a bit in this site. Nonetheless , there are some unique and interesting items/areas I wanted to share photos of.
Conclusion
I absolutely loved the ancient theater of Argos, Greece and also enjoyed the Agora area. These sites have many signs with information of the various points of interest. Although I did have trouble figuring out what was what, even with the signs. Still, I believe this is a sight worth visiting. I especially recommend the Ancient Theater when in the Argos area of Greece. In retrospect, having done a bit of research before stopping here would have helped immensely.
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Click on the links below to follow my 2024 Greek Travels and also my Past Greek Travels:
Argos Theatre and Agora-August 2024
Exploring the Larissa Castle of Argos,Greece-August 2024
Snorkeling the Sunken City of Epidaurus. August 2024
Ancient Epidaurus: Birthplace of Modern Medicne August 2024
Mycenaean Bridge and Acropolis of Kazarma-August 2024
Ancient Nemea Greece-August 2024
Ancient Mycenae Greece-August 2024
2 Weeks in Greece-Delphi, Meteora, Corfu, Santorini, Athens, Sept 2022
14 Days in Greece-Crete,Naxos, Santorini Sept 2021
10 Day Greece Itinerary-Crete, Santorini, Athens, September 2019
8 Day Greece Itinerary-Athens, Milos, Santorini, September/October 2018
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Any recitation of the classics? Even a short verse while sitting in the amphitheater?
No. We were more like let’s get a photo quick and move on before we melt! It was so hot out! Lol
A place steeped in history! The Ancient Theater and Agora of Argos have loads of ruins that demonstrate just how great this site once was. I appreciate you sharing more of your adventures in Greece from this summer!
Thanks for following along, Rebecca. We really did a lot of historical stops!
It looks like those ruins are quite extensive. And I wonder how often those ancient Greek theaters got used?
That’s a good question. I’m not sure how often they used them.
It is so nice to see remnants of history all around, but I do agree that it can get too hot in Greece to make lingering longer uncomfortable. Thanks for showing us what you saw Lori. Allan
It was very hot. Next year we are going in September or maybe October. Thanks for following! Lori
Beautiful Agora of Argos ! Well shared with beautiful photos and description.
Thank you! It was a great spot to visit!
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