The Arcadian Gate of Ancient Messini

The Arcadian Gate of Ancient Messini is an impressive monument, a symbol of power and an example of advanced fortification technique. Located at the northern part of the archaeological site, where the roads to the villages of Petralona, Mavrommati, Neochori, and Zerbissia come together, it was one of the two gates that led into the ancient city of Messini. Built from large rectangular limestone blocks, the gate is circular and spacious, with two entrances: a double inner entrance and an outer one. The inner entrance led to a paved road heading toward the city’s Agora, while the outer one connected to a road leading to Megalopolis, the capital of Arcadia. On either side of the Arcadian Gate’s outer entrance stand two square defensive towers attached to the main structure. Inside the circular area of the Arcadian Gate stood hermaic pillars, as the god Hermes was considered a protector of gates. These pillars were seen by the ancient traveler Pausanias. Above the northern niche of Hermes is an inscription that reads: "Quintus Plotius Euphemion restored this." Ancient Messini was founded in 369 BC by the Theban general Epaminondas, after his victory over the Spartans at the Battle of Leuctra and his invasion of Laconia. Epaminondas liberated Messinia from Spartan control and chose the foothills of Mount Ithome as the location for the capital of the free Messinians. The city was named after the mythical queen Messini, daughter of Triopas, king of Argos.

Pictured: The Arcadian Gate of Ancient Messini in 1898. ©Municipal Photography Museum of Kalamaria ‘Christos Kalemkeris’.