Ancient Tenea

A archaeological site.

• TypeArchaeological site

☆ Save to my plan

In the south of Corinthia, near Chiliomodi, lies one of the most exciting archaeological stories of recent years. Tenea was known from ancient sources, but its exact location stayed uncertain — until excavations of the last few years began to uncover the city itself.

The myth and the finds

Tradition held that Tenea was founded by captives from Tenedos after the Trojan War. The city was known for its prosperity and for the saying that followed it in antiquity: it was neither so large as to carry the burdens of a great city, nor so small as to count for nothing.

Excavation has revealed housing, streets, baths, a cemetery with rich grave goods, and Roman-era mosaic floors. It was in this same area that the celebrated Kouros of Tenea came to light back in the 19th century — one of the finest surviving examples of Archaic sculpture, today on display in Munich.

Practical notes

• About 15 km from Corinth, easily reached from Chiliomodi.
• This is an active excavation, so the area open to visitors changes from season to season.
• Check before travelling whether the site is open at the time of your visit.

Explore nearby

Roman Mausoleum210 mChiliomodi1.0 kmKlenia1.6 kmThe Cave of Klenia2.7 km