THE THOLOS TOMBS AT PERISTERIA
According to archaeologists, the tholos tombs, burial monuments of the 2nd millennium BC, first appeared in Messinia, before spreading to the rest of Greece. Tombs of this type were configured in such a way that they resembled houses, with a long corridor that led to the main hall, which was the "final residence" of the deceased... Such tholos tombs can be found in every corner of Messinia, from Kambos in Avia to Kaplani in Akritochori, from Ano Psari to Charakopio, from Malthi to Voidokilia and Antheia.
A significant archaeological site in Messinia, where great tholos tombs were discovered, is the hill of Peristeria, near the village of Myro, next to Kyparissia: Archaeologists refer to it as the "Mycenae of the western Peloponnese," since the wealth of the findings and the size of the tombs are reminiscent of the majestic archaeological monuments of the Mycenaean civilization. Peristeria seems to be the area where a significant settlement flourished at the end of the Late Helladic period. Traces of habitation were also unearthed at the adjacent hills of Karagenis and Kokorakos, evidently of the same period.
The findings and tombs of Peristeria date to the 2nd millenium BC, with some older ones that have also come to light. Up to now, the most important findings are four tholos tombs – the largest of which is also the largest in Messinia and the western Peloponnese –, part of a palace and many houses. The tombs of Peristeria contained many artifacts, such as jewelry, items of daily use etc., which today are kept at the Archaeological Museum of Chora.
A significant archaeological site in Messinia, where great tholos tombs were discovered, is the hill of Peristeria, near the village of Myro, next to Kyparissia: Archaeologists refer to it as the "Mycenae of the western Peloponnese," since the wealth of the findings and the size of the tombs are reminiscent of the majestic archaeological monuments of the Mycenaean civilization. Peristeria seems to be the area where a significant settlement flourished at the end of the Late Helladic period. Traces of habitation were also unearthed at the adjacent hills of Karagenis and Kokorakos, evidently of the same period.
The findings and tombs of Peristeria date to the 2nd millenium BC, with some older ones that have also come to light. Up to now, the most important findings are four tholos tombs – the largest of which is also the largest in Messinia and the western Peloponnese –, part of a palace and many houses. The tombs of Peristeria contained many artifacts, such as jewelry, items of daily use etc., which today are kept at the Archaeological Museum of Chora.