Lerna

Welcome to Lerna, a site that holds a unique and vital position in the landscape of Greek prehistory and mythology. Located on the coast of the Argolic Gulf, near the modern village of Myloi, Lerna is far more than just a set of…

We begin at the architectural centerpiece of Lerna: the House of Tiles. Dating to the Early Helladic II period, around 2500-2300 BC, this structure is a marvel of prehistoric engineering. …

Surrounding the central settlement are the remains of Lerna’s fortifications. These walls, some dating back to 2500 BC, prove that even in this early era, the inhabitants felt the need for serious defense. …

Walking toward the edge of the site, we encounter the area of the ancient springs. Lerna was famous in antiquity for its 'Alcyonian Lake,' a deep pool fed by underground aquifers that was said to be bottomless. …

The most enduring story associated with this site is the battle between Hercules and the Hydra. The Hydra was a multi-headed water serpent that lived in the marshes of Lerna, terrorizing the countryside. …

Within the settlement, archaeologists have discovered several grave shafts that date to the Middle Helladic period (around 2000-1600 BC). These burials provide a rare glimpse into the transition between the Early Bronze Age and…

As we conclude our walk, we look out toward the modern village of Myloi and the shimmering waters of the Argolic Gulf. In antiquity, the coastline would have been even closer, and Lerna would have been a vibrant maritime hub. …

As we leave the archaeological site of Lerna, I hope you take with you a sense of the immense age of this ground. Long before the Parthenon was a dream or the walls of Troy were built, people were living, building, and creating a…