Wildfire erupts near tomb of Agamemnon in Greece

·

A wildfire erupted on Sunday near the ruins of the Bronze Age site of Mycenae in Greece, prompting the evacuation of visitors to the archaeological site. 

According to local media, the fire started near the tomb of Agamemnon, the king of Mycenae who was killed during the Trojan war.

The flames licked the ruins but the fire department insisted there was no danger to the museum on the site in Greece’s Peloponnese region.

The flames licked the ruins but the fire department insisted there was no danger to the site’s museum. Photo: Eurokinissi / AFP.

The blaze went through “a section of the archaeological site and burnt some dry grass without menacing the museum,” the commander of the southern Peloponnese region’s fire brigade, Thanassis Koliviras, told Athens News Agency.

In an announcement, the Ministry of Culture also attempted to downplay the damage caused to the ancient site.

“The fire did not cause damage to the antiquities, as far as it can be assessed at this time,” it says.

However, the same announcement acknowledges that certain areas within the archaeological site were affected.

Specifically, the East Wing of the Palace, the Northern Warehouses, the area of ​​the archaic temple at the top of the hill, the upper western slope of the Acropolis, the south-west District and the area of ​​the Religious Center of Mycenae.

A force of 27 firefighters, a ground team and eight fire brigades, assisted by two aircraft and a helicopter, are currently working to put out the blaze.

Smoke covers the site. Photo: Vangelis Bougiotis / EPA.

Greece grapples with wildfires every year during the dry summer season, with strong winds and temperatures frequently exceeding 30 degrees.

Two years ago, 102 people died in the coastal resort of Mati near Athens in Greece’s worst fire disaster.

READ MORE: Mycenae Excavations: Cambridge Digital Library opens archives.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

From Metallica to Maritime: The many lives of Greek shipping tycoon Harry Vafias

Though Greek shipping tycoon, Harry Vafias, spends much time working, it certainly isn't a case of 'all work and no play.’

‘I want them to know their word matters’: Peter Georgiou stands against gender violence

Peter Georgiou, a real estate agent from Rushcutters Bay and father of four-year-old twins Leila and Lola, believes change begins at home.

Thessaloniki’s Byzantine walls to shine with new light project

Thessaloniki’s iconic Byzantine Walls are set to be illuminated under a major cultural initiative announced by the Greek Ministry of Culture.

Greek World Heritage Cities face rising climate threats

Iconic Greek cities—Athens, Thessaloniki, Corfu, Rhodes, and Patmos—face serious climate threats, according to a new UNESCO-backed report.

Are apps like Duolingo enough to learn Greek, or do we need a tutor?

For many people who want to learn conversational Greek, an app, can be a very useful addition to your program.

You May Also Like

‘Confronting and disturbing’: Concerns raised by Greek community over Victoria police tactics

Footage has emerged from Friday’s anti-lockdown protests held across Melbourne with members of the Greek community expressing concerns.

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese confirms All Saints Grammar gym to be pop-up vaccination centre

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia confirms All Saints Grammar gym in Belmore to be pop-up vaccination centre.

Maria Vamvakinou MP

Έχουν μεσολαβήσει ογδόντα χρόνια από το ηρωικό ΟΧΙ του Ελληνικού λαού. Η απάντηση των Ελλήνων στο φασισμό εκείνης της περιόδου, αποτελεί μνημείο τιμής και...