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The archaeological site of Menelaion is situated 5 kms Southeastern of Sparta on a height of mountain Parnon, above of the eastern bank of river Eyrotas. The ancient name of the area was Therapne.
An extended Mycenaean settlement was revealed, which was identified by H. Catling with the Homeric Sparta, the centre of the palace of Menelaos. Specifically the investigations brought into light traces of Middle Helladic habitation (burials-pottery), pottery of Late Helladic IIA period (15th century B.C) unrelated to any excavated architectural structure, building of Late Helladic IIB period (15th century B.C), known as Megaron I (Mansion I) ; it was used until Late Helladic IIIA1, when it was destroyed by earthquake and was replaced by a building of different orientation but of the same use: the Megaron II. The area was abandoned during Late Helladic IIIA2 period (14th century B.C) and was inhabited again during Late Helladic IIIB2 period (end of 13th century B.C).
Date of architectural phases and description:
Geometric period : Foundation of the sacred peribolus and altar. It was probably founded on an area where worship was taken place during the mycenaean period.
Archaic period (500 B. C.): Construction of the first monumental building, consisting of a small cella made of rectangular porous stones.
Classical period: Construction of large crepidoma on which a cella was built . Peculiar structure in the shape of a pyramid.
The Greek Archaeologist Chr. Tsountas identified in 1889 Mycenaean pottery sherds, but not any architectural remains, south of the Archaic altar of Menelaos and Helen.
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