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Necromanteion of Acheron
39.2362° N, 20.5345° E
About
The Nekromanteion (Greek: Νεκρομαντεῖον) was an ancient Greek temple of necromancy devoted to Hades and Persephone. According to tradition, it was located on the banks of the Acheron river in Epirus, near the ancient city of Ephyra. This site was believed by devotees to be the door to Hades, the realm of the dead. The site is at the meeting point of the Acheron, Pyriphlegethon and Cocytus rivers, believed to flow through and water the kingdom of Hades. The meaning of the names of the rivers has been interpreted to be "joyless", "burning coals" and "lament", respectively. A site in Mesopotamos, Epirus was proposed as the site of the Necromanteion in 1958, but this identification is now questioned.
Historical Timeline
Journey through time and discover key events in this site's history
Periander's legates
6th century BCE
Ruins dated no earlier than
later 4th century BCE
Final destruction by Romans
167 BC
Discovery and excavations
1958
Archaeological Features
Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site
Military Installations
Miscellaneous Features
Religious and Ritual Structures
Domestic and Habitation Structures
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan Your Visit
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