On the southern point of western Peloponnese the rocky formation of Sphacteria acts as a natural wave breaker for the strategically important harbor of Pylos. During the point during the seventh year of the Peloponnesian War an important battle took place that at the time seemed to tilt the war in favor of Athens. The Athenians led by Demosthenes and Cleon defeated the Spartans that had been sieged on this rocky formation. The significance of Pylos is widely recognized as a turning point in the war, as well as, the first of two confrontations of the Spartan Brasidas against the Athenian Cleon. Two years later these two generals would meet again in battle at Amphipolis, and even though Brasidas would get revenge for the devastating and demoralizing defeat at Pylos, he dies in battle along with his Athenian adversary, Cleon.
In 1827 the same bay of Navarino becomes the location where the fleets of France, Russia and Great Britain defeat the Ottoman fleet which forces the Ottoman empire to recognize the independence of the modern Greek state.
On this day Pylos marks a turning point in our travels through the Peloponnese as we will head north to Sparta.
Look at these good looking gents! This town was the quintessential seaside Greek local, stunning views of the crystal clear, aqua colored water and a castle to boot. The view out of our hotel room was unmatched by any yet on the trip. Exceptional seafood and a vibrant sunset made this one of my favorite stops in our journey.
ReplyDeleteThis was also my favorite stop. I loved how the ocean and the mountains were in the same view. You can't get that in the United States. I also got the sense that everyone felt the most comfortable and the most safe in this town. The castle was impressive as well. Although it was very windy when we were there and kind of cold, it didn't stop a few of us from going down to the water and laying down on the jeti. You just know how strategically convenient this place was in the ancient times even if you didn't learn from Thucydides.
ReplyDeleteThis is one of the sites we had learned the most about. Having heard and read the story about the battle, visiting the site animated the scene. Unfortunately the castle on the island was closed but I would love to sometime comeback to check it out both the castle and the island. Later in the day we hiked behind another fortress and were able to see an amazing sunset.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite part of Pylos was seeing what we have always talked about, the importance of geography in politics. Seeing what Professor Vamvakas has always said, the mountains and high views and having excellent control of the bay was such an importance in the Peloponnesian war. It was such a strategic location and this area was such a reminder that geography and politics go hand-in-hand, and such a set up of ocean and high land could never be created by man. Nature was really on someone's side here, giving control and power of both land and sea.
ReplyDeleteThis was a beautiful place. We ate lunch right by the water and before we left in the morning we got to explore a castle and a prison. It was really interesting to hear about how this piece of land was so important to the war and why everybody could have benefitted from having a presence there.
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