Greece

Dodona

Ancient Hellenic oracle in Epirus, northwestern Greece

Location

Explore the Map

Historical Context

About

Dodona (; Doric Greek: Δωδώνα, romanized: Dōdṓnā, Ionic and Attic Greek: Δωδώνη, Dōdṓnē) in Epirus in northwestern Greece was the oldest Hellenic oracle, possibly dating to the 2nd millennium BCE according to Herodotus. The earliest accounts in Homer describe Dodona as an oracle of Zeus. Situated in a remote region away from the main Greek poleis, it was considered second only to the Oracle of Delphi in prestige. Aristotle considered the region around Dodona to have been part of Hellas and the region where the Hellenes originated. The oracle was first under the control of the Thesprotians before it passed into the hands of the Molossians. It remained an important religious sanctuary until the rise of Christianity during the Late Roman era.

Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Temporal Epochs

Historical Timeline

Journey through time and discover key events in this site's history

Possible Bronze Age origins

2nd millennium BCE

Cist tomb and sherd

c. 1200 BCE

Archaic period contacts

8th century BCE

Homeric reference

c. 750 BCE

Philip V reconstruction

late 3rd century BCE

Pyrrhus' rebuilding

c. 290 BCE

Aetolian sack

219 BCE

Roman destruction of Molossian cities

167 BCE

Sack instigated by Mithridates' allies

c. 88 BCE

Oracular tablets

mid-6th to early 2nd centuries BCE

Mycenaean votive objects

14th–13th centuries BCE

Pausanias' observation

2nd century CE

Naia festival organized

241 CE

Emperor Julian consulted the oracle

362 CE

Closure under Theodosius

391–392 CE

Bishop of Dodona at Council of Ephesus

431 CE

Earliest inscriptions

c. 550–500 BCE

Classification

Archaeological Features

Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

category

Defensive Structures

Defensive Walls
category

Public and Civic Structures

Theatres
category

Burial and Funerary Structures

Tombs
category

Religious and Ritual Structures

TemplesAltars
category

Artistic and Decorative Features

InscriptionsStatues
category

Environmental and Natural Features

Sacred Groves
Knowledge Base

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore

Plan Your Visit

Tours, travel arrangements, and practical information

Reference

Details

Country

Greece

Coordinates

39.55° N, 20.79° E