The Mycenaean Acropolis of Midea

On the edge of the Arachneon Mountains, a few striking hills rise out of the plain of the Argolid peninsula. Some of them are covered with ancient and prehistoric remains. You can explore this region very well with high-resolution satellite photos in Google Earth View. Of particular interest is the mountain fortress of Midea, which has been inhabited since the Neolithic age, at least 5000 years ago. Since there were probably trade and connections with the Minoans, around 1800-1500 BC. BC, the Acropolis must have already had an organized settlement during this time, which then around 1400 BC. was fortified with Cyclopean walls. At the time, after the volcanic catastrophe in Santorini, there were probably major economic and social upheavals that led to uncertainty. All Mycenaean acropoles in the Argolis were developed into fortresses during this period. The enemy came from outside and inside. The Trojan War and competition between the principalities led to war and raids that mutually led to the decline of Mycenaean culture. Textiles were probably produced on the mountain of Midea. Like many Mycenaean settlements, Midea was also around 1200 BC. destroyed. The settlement did not end. In the archaic period, approx. 600-700 BC. there must have been a sanctuary. According to Pausanias, Midea was destroyed in 470 BC. by the rulers in Argos. Strabon allegedly visited the place in the 1st century AD and only found ruins. In the Roman and Byzantine times there were still simple settlements that used the strategically safe mountain. The facility is easy to visit and will hardly encounter other visitors.