Eretria facts for kids
Eretria is an old town in Euboea, Greece. Its name means "city of the rowers." It is located right across a narrow part of the sea called the South Euboean Gulf. Eretria was once a very important city in ancient Greece.
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A Look Back in Time
Eretria was founded a very long time ago, probably around the 11th century BC. It grew into a powerful city-state. People from Eretria were known for their ships and their trading skills. They traveled far and wide, setting up colonies in places like Italy and Macedonia.
Eretria's Golden Age
Around the 8th and 7th centuries BC, Eretria was at its peak. It was one of the most important cities in Greece. The city had strong ties with other powerful places like Corinth and Miletus. Eretria was famous for its pottery and metalwork. It even had a big rivalry with its neighbor, Chalcis, over land called the Lelantine Plain. This led to a long war known as the Lelantine War.
The Persian Wars
Eretria played a part in the famous Persian Wars. In 490 BC, the Persian Empire attacked Greece. Eretria was one of the first cities they targeted. The Persians destroyed Eretria and took its people as slaves. This was a very sad time for the city.
Rebuilding and New Alliances
After the Persian attack, Eretria was rebuilt. It later joined the Delian League, which was a group of Greek city-states led by Athens. This league was formed to protect Greece from future Persian attacks. Eretria remained an important city, though it never fully regained its earlier power.
Life in Ancient Eretria
Life in ancient Eretria was busy and interesting. People lived in houses with courtyards. They built grand temples to their gods. The city had a agora, which was a public marketplace. It also had a theatre for plays and performances.
Sports and Learning
Like many Greek cities, Eretria had a gymnasium. This was a place where young men trained their bodies. They practiced sports and exercises. The gymnasium was also a place for learning and discussions. Statues of athletes and gods were common.
Art and Architecture
Archaeologists have found many beautiful things in Eretria. These include pottery, sculptures, and mosaics. The city had impressive buildings, like the Temple of Apollo Daphnephoros. This temple was dedicated to the god Apollo. Another important site was the Temple of Isis, showing connections with Egyptian culture.
Eretria Today
Today, Eretria is a modern town. It is a popular place for tourists. Visitors can explore the ancient ruins. The Archaeological Museum of Eretria displays many artifacts found in the area. These items help us understand what life was like in this ancient city. The Swiss School of Archaeology in Greece has an office here. They continue to study and uncover the secrets of ancient Eretria.
Images for kids
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Neighbouring ancient cities
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Plan of the site
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Ancient Greek polychrome antefix, featuring a Gorgona. Archaeological Museum of Eretria
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Statue of a youth found in the gymnasium, now in the National Archaeological Museum in Athens
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Coin of Eretria, 500–490 BC. Silver obol. Obverse: Facing head of cow. Reverse: Octopus in incuse square.
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Ancient polygonal city walls on the acropolis
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Temple of Apollo Daphnephoros
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Temple of Apollo pediment sculptures
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Temple of Isis at Eretria
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House of the mosaics
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Tholos
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Upper Gymnasion
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View of the harbour
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The office of the Swiss School of Archaeology in Greece at Eretria.
