Greece

Helike

Ancient Greek coastal city, submerged 4th century BCE

Location

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Historical Context

About

Helike (; Greek: Ἑλίκη, pronounced [heˈlikɛː], modern Greek pronunciation: [eˈlici]) was an ancient Greek polis (city-state) that was submerged by a tsunami in the winter of 373 BC. It was located in the regional unit of Achaea, northern Peloponnesos, two kilometres (12 stadia) from the Corinthian Gulf and near the city of Boura, which, like Helike, was a member of the Achaean League. Modern research attributes the catastrophe to an earthquake and accompanying tsunami which destroyed and submerged the city. It was rediscovered in 2001 buried in an ancient lagoon near the village of Rizomylos. In an effort to protect the site from destruction, the World Monuments Fund included Helike in its 2004 and 2006 List of 100 Most Endangered Sites.

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

Historical Timeline

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Archaic sanctuary use

c. 850 BCE

Coin evidence (museum holdings)

5th century BCE

Destruction by earthquake and tsunami

373 BCE

Eratosthenes' report of submerged statue

c. 220 BCE

1817 earthquake and tsunami

23 August 1817

Pausanias visit and observation

c. 174 AD

Mycenaean occupation

c. 1750–1050 BCE

Early modern investigations (select dates)

1826–1968

Rediscovery of buried remains

2001

World Monuments Fund listing

2004, 2006

Foundation as proto-urban town

c. 3000–2200 BCE

Classification

Archaeological Features

Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

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Defensive Structures

Defensive Walls
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Religious and Ritual Structures

Temples
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Artistic and Decorative Features

StatuesMonumentsInscriptions
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Domestic and Habitation Structures

TownsCitiesHouses
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Environmental and Natural Features

Soil Layers
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Transportation and Communication Structures

RoadsQuays
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Reference

Details

Country

Greece

Coordinates

38.22° N, 22.13° E