The Archaeological Park of Dion is one of the most significant archaeological sites at Mount Olympus in Greece. It had been the most crucial sacred city of the traditional Macedonians. The history from the site spans in the 5th century BC towards the 5th century AD with sanctuaries from the Hellenistic and Roman periods.
Dion can be found on the northern foothills of Mount Olympus and it is an important part of visiting Mount Olympus – the home of the Greek Olympian gods. While in Greece, discover the much older “Greek Pompeii” of Akrotiri – an old Minoan city buried in volcanic ash much like Pompeii.
History of The Sacred City of Dion
Dion's history stretches back to no more your fifth century BC when Archelaos I first held the Olympics – festivals and sacrifices towards the Olympian god Zeus and also the Pierian Muses. He established the theatrical and gymnastic competitions called “Olympia ta en Dion” that continued for hundreds of years as much as around 100 BC.
- Ancient Olympics: During The Macedonian Period It Hosts Athletic and Theatrical Contests and Performances
- Location: In the Northeast Foot Of Mount Olympus and 5 Kilometers In the Sea (In Ancient Times It Was Only 1.5 Kilometers In the Sea)
The town of Dion was the sacred town of the ancient Macedonians as they started their rise to power. It had been where the sanctuary of Zeus was established as the central host to worship for Macedonians.
- Sacred: It had been Probably the most Sacred Town of the Macedonians
Because of the important sanctuary for Zeus here, the village of Dion gained some importance in Greece and gradually progressed into a town.
Alexander the truly amazing sacrificed to Zeus here before his history-changing invasion from the Persian Empire. Afterwards, he ordered 25 bronze statues of the cavaliers who had fallen in the Battle of Cranicos to be erected in the Zeus Olympios Shrine.
- Alexander the Great: Sought The aid of the Gods Before Invading Persia
Later on, the Romans started to colonize the site from around 43 BC plus much more after Augustus's victory in the Battle of Actium in 31 BC over Mark Antony and Cleopatra. However the most of inscriptions stayed in Greek and not Latin – demonstrating that the Roman colonists were quickly Hellenized.
The city started to decline in the 3rd century AD suffering raids from the neighboring tribes in addition to earthquakes and floods.
There was a revival in the 4th century using the Christian period. During the Christian period, two basilicas were built around the ruins of the city (with another built away from walls). It was heavily damaged using the invasions from the Ostrogoths.
What To Expect In Dion
The site has two ancient theaters (one Greek and the other Roman). Because it was later on a Roman settlement, there's naturally a Roman bath complex – only one which has a well-preserved illustration of how the water and heating of floors worked.
- Ancient Theaters: Two – One Greek and something Roman
Sanctuaries here include sanctuaries dedicated to Demeter, Zeus, Isis, and Asklepios. Isis is an ancient Egyptian goddess who became venerated through the Romans and certain even influenced the depiction from the Virgin Mary.
- Sanctuaries: See Sanctuaries Focused on Demeter, Zeus, Isis, and Asklepios
Over its time, Dion went from to be the most sacred seat of Zeus after which served like a Roman colony, before finally ending up as a bishopric within the Christain era prior to being eventually abandoned.
While it's now 5 kilometers (about 3 miles) in the sea today, it was once much closer being only about 1.5 kilometers (about 1 mile) in the sea and also the River Baphyras by Dion was once navigable to the Thermaean Gulf.
Visiting The Archaeological Park of Dion
Today Dion is half swamp and half ancient city. Today it's lush with greenery and ponds. It isn't all just ancient shrines, temples, and ruins you will find here. One will see birds, butterflies, dragonflies, fish, turtles, and weasels all through the ruins and also the surrounding greenery and, according to Atlas Obscura, “frogs. Many frogs.”
Opening Hours:
- Winter: November to May 8.30 am to three.30 pm
- Summer: May to August, 8.00 am to 8.00 pm, Monday to Sunday
- Price: 8 Euro ($9)
For more details see the site's official website.
- The Archaeological Museum: This Museum was Built In 1983 and Exhibits Archaeological Finds From Ancient Dion
Today excavations are continuing and more and much more has been discovered about the ancient site. The city monuments have been restored and also the site feels like a really forgotten city. This really is among the best places to explore and learn about the ancient greek language gods.
