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Epirus excursion- Day 4....
On the fourth day we drove up to the mountains. Not too far but in Thesprotia prefecture, one of the most mountainous and underpopulated of Greece.
Our itinerary included the visit of the Archaeological site of Gitana, in the Municipality of Filiates.
Gitana was mentioned first time by the Roman historian Titus Livius (59 BC -17 AD) as the ancient capital of Thesprotia, place of gathering of Thesprotian League. Even though the League was short- lived (336-328 BC) it led to the creation of the vigorous Epirus League, which lasted from 231 until 168 BC. Gitana played an important role in the area and after its destruction by the Romans in 167 BC, the city was abandoned for ever.
There are lots of archaeological ruins in the area. Among them is the theatre of a capacity of 4000 spectators, a complex of shops, temple etc.
After this visit we drove to ancient Fanoti (today's name Doliani), 16 klm. W. from Igoumenitsa, which was mentioned by the historians Polyvius and Titus Livius. It was an important city due to its location and fortification. It played an interesting role in the 4th Macedonian War (150-148 BC).
The main arched gate, the building wit the arched niches, the tower on the highest part of the acropolis (citadel) and the remains of the barricade are very impressive.
Our day ended in Igoumenitsa, where we visited the Archaeological Museum (www.igoumenitsamuseum.gr) and we travelled back in time from the Middle Palaeolithic time until the 19th century.
The majority of the artifacts of the permanent collection with the title "Thesprotia land" covers the Hellenistic era (330/327-167 BC). It was then the pick time of the Thesprotian and cities of Epirus in general terms. It shows as well the Roman era (167 BC-4th century AD), time of decline and destruction, after the defeat of Perseus and therefore the division of Epirus into Old Epirus (Epirus Vetus), Greece and S. Albania today, and New Epirus (Epirus Nova), today Albania, during the 3rd century AD and the prevalence of Christianity.
Our companion in this journey was the archaeologist Vasiliki Lambrou, that we thank warmly!
Of course we thank all the participants!
Our journey continues...
Photos
