Peloponnese: the story on HearLore

Peloponnese

The Peloponnese is a peninsula located at the southern tip of mainland Greece, covering an area that makes it the southernmost region of the Balkans. It connects to central Greece via the Isthmus of Corinth land bridge, which separates the Gulf of Corinth from the Saronic Gulf. The Corinth Canal was constructed in 1893 and now features two submersible bridges at its north and south ends. Another bridge, the Rio, Antirrio bridge completed in 2004, links the western part of the peninsula with the rest of Greece. Mount Taygetus stands as the highest mountain in the region, while other significant peaks include Cyllene in the northeast and Aroania in the north. Extensive lowlands exist in the west, specifically within the Evrotas Valley in the south and the Argolid Peninsula in the northeast. Four distinct peninsulas point southward: Messenian, Mani, Cape Malea, and Argolid. These are separated by three gulfs: Messenian Gulf, Laconian Gulf, and Argolic Gulf. Rainfall patterns vary significantly across the landscape. The west coast receives higher rainfall compared to the drier eastern side. Average annual temperatures can reach high levels, with summer highs exceeding certain thresholds in Sparta located inside the Evrotas Valley. On the 27th of June 2007, Monemvasia recorded a minimum temperature of 35.9°C, marking the highest minimum ever measured on mainland Greece or Continental Europe.

Mythology And Bronze Age Origins

The modern name Peloponnesos derives from ancient Greek mythology, referring to the legend where hero Pelops conquered the entire region. This meaning translates literally to Island or Peninsula of Pelops according to archaic definitions found in historical texts. Archaeological evidence confirms that Mycenaean civilization dominated the area during the Bronze Age from palaces built at sites like Mycenae, Pylos, and Tiryns. Mycenaean culture collapsed suddenly around the end of the second millennium BC when many cities showed clear signs of destruction through archaeological research findings. Following this collapse came the period known as Greek Dark Ages characterized by an absence of written records for several centuries. In 776 BC, the first Olympic Games were held at Olympia within western Peloponnese territory, establishing a date sometimes used to mark the beginning of classical antiquity. During classical times, major city-states including Sparta, Corinth, Argos, and Megalopolis all existed within these boundaries. The peninsula served as homeland for the Peloponnesian League while soldiers fought in Persian Wars there too. Bloodiest battles occurred here throughout history before Roman Republic forces razed Corinth and massacred its inhabitants in 146 BC.

Where is the Peloponnese located and how does it connect to mainland Greece?

The Peloponnese is a peninsula located at the southern tip of mainland Greece. It connects to central Greece via the Isthmus of Corinth land bridge which separates the Gulf of Corinth from the Saronic Gulf.

When was the Corinth Canal constructed and what bridges exist there today?

The Corinth Canal was constructed in 1893 and now features two submersible bridges at its north and south ends. Another bridge called the Rio Antirrio bridge completed in 2004 links the western part of the peninsula with the rest of Greece.

What historical event occurred on the 27th of June 2007 in Monemvasia?

On the 27th of June 2007, Monemvasia recorded a minimum temperature of 35.9°C marking the highest minimum ever measured on mainland Greece or Continental Europe.

Why does the name Peloponnesos derive from ancient Greek mythology?

The modern name Peloponnesos derives from ancient Greek mythology referring to the legend where hero Pelops conquered the entire region. This meaning translates literally to Island or Peninsula of Pelops according to archaic definitions found in historical texts.

When did Roman Republic forces destroy Corinth and what happened to the population?

Roman Republic forces razed Corinth and massacred its inhabitants in 146 BC. They established province Achaea encompassing both central Greece and entire southern peninsula though prosperity continued briefly under imperial rule.

When was the final surrender of Mystras and who ruled over Byzantine territories Morea known as Despotate Morea?

The final surrender occurred on May thirty-first fourteen hundred sixty when Mystras residence Despot who ruled over Byzantine territories Morea known as Despotate Morea surrendered.

Byzantine Rule And Slavic Settlement

After dividing Empire officially in thirty-nine five AD Peloponnese became part larger Byzantine domain experiencing significant demographic shifts over coming centuries. Urbanized character persisted throughout late antiquity with Hierocles counting twenty-six cities listed inside his Synecdemus document written sixth century onward. However building activity stopped virtually everywhere except Constantinople Thessalonica Corinth Athens by latter half that same century according to historical analysis suggesting causes like plague earthquakes or possible invasions occurred simultaneously affecting population numbers drastically. Slavs occupied most territory evidenced abundant place names derived from their language accumulated gradually rather appearing suddenly as flood-like event described earlier theories claimed many appeared mediated speakers Greek mixed compounds formed slowly over time instead initial presence unlikely before certain dates mentioned Florin Curta research papers published two thousand eleven pages showing no evidence until after specific timeframe established scholarly consensus today regarding scale migration settlement processes involved here compared previous assumptions made about magnitude impact caused them upon existing populations living there beforehand. Relations generally peaceful apart occasional uprisings interrupted normal trade patterns between agricultural communities rural lifestyles practiced predominantly Greeks remained towns while villages continued exist interior governing themselves possibly paying tribute amounts owed periodically depending circumstances prevailing at given times periods spanning decades long duration covering entire medieval era until Ottoman conquests began intensifying raids starting around thirteen eighty seven when Evrenos Bey took control leading plundering actions across peninsula forcing both sides acknowledge suzerainty pay regular tributes due annually thereafter.

Frankish Conquest And Ottoman Era

In twelve hundred five following destruction Byzantine Empire fourth Crusade forces marched south conquering Peloponnese against sporadic resistance led William Champlitte Geoffrey Villehardouin together founding Principality Achaea nominally vassal Latin Empire Venetians occupying strategic ports like Navarino Coron retaining possession fifteenth century onward. Franks popularized name Morea first appearing small bishopric Elis tenth century etymology disputed commonly held mulberry tree leaves shape resembling peninsula itself derived from word morea meaning similar leaf forms observed locally throughout region historically known since ancient times though modern usage differs slightly spelling conventions adopted later centuries onwards. William I founded commission Andravida consisting bishops bannerets Greek magnates assessing land dividing according practice resulting division into twelve baronies mostly centered newly constructed castles testament fact military elite amidst potentially hostile population set conditions enabling retention considerable powers privileges Prince not absolute sovereign rather first equals among them right construct castle without permission decree capital punishment Salic Law not adopted women inherit fiefs freely granted estates knightly fashion Archbishop receiving eight others four each likewise four granted orders Templars Hospitallers Teutonic Knights shortly after one thousand two sixty thirteenth barony Arcadia established personal fief Geoffrey Villehardouin himself ruling territory until death occurred around mid-fourteen hundreds when Ottoman Turks began raiding intensifying only after Evrenos Bey took control plundering across entire area forcing acknowledgment suzerainty payment annual tributes due regularly thereafter lasting decades long duration covering period spanning multiple generations before final collapse happened eventually leading surrender May thirty-first fourteen hundred sixty Mystras residence Despot who ruled over Byzantine territories Morea known Despotate Morea.

Peloponnese

Mythology And Bronze Age Origins

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