Pythagoreion and Heraion of Samos Google Maps
Samos is an island that belongs to the northern Aegean islands. The island is distant, at least eight hours by ship from the port of Piraeus and something less than an hour by air.
The place of origin of the philosopher, mathematician and mystic Pythagoras, the island hosts the largest temple dedicated to the goddess Hera in ancient times, the Heraion. The goddess Hera, according to one version of the Greek mythology, was born and raised in Samos.
Pythagoras
Pythagoras is (580 BC – 496 BC), widely known through geometry for the Pythagorean Theorem. For many people even today is a philosopher greatly appreciated. The school founded by him, in Croton Southern Italy, its conviction about reincarnation and its eventful life led him to conclusions that taught through the Pythagorean School to those who wanted to further widen their horizons of thought.
It is said that he was the one to discover the “cup of law” which I must confess impressed me when I first saw. It is a construction of clay, supposed to have been made on the idea that one measures the wine that one drinks and does not exceed a limit line engraved on the cup.
If you try to more, it won’t just be held into the cup. Not only what exceeds the line, but the whole content of the cup, will drain from a small hole in the cups’ floor, due its special design.
Pythagoras regarded numbers as the very essence of life and not just as “numbers”. He studied music through mathematics, believed in lawful society and in a society where wisdom is transferred. He taught people to live simply and frugally.
On the island of this great philosopher and mathematician was built the largest temple of worship to the bride of god Zeus, the goddess Hera. The Heraion was a huge building, nearly 110 meters in length and 55 meters in width. The height is estimated to be 25 meters!
Pythagoreion, Kouroi, Eupalinos Tunnel
It remains even today unknown why they built such a large temple on the island. Along the Sacred Way were placed huge Kouroi (statues depicting young men, with the hands clasped in the body). From the excavations in the area is easily understood that the temple was not just in the Panhellenic world known but had a worldwide reputation.
One well known attraction is the tunnel of Eupalinos, a project engineered by Eupalinos. This is one of the largest structures of ancient times, carrying water to the city.
Ancient Samos (Pythagorio) was one of the greatest cities of antiquity. The island became a great naval power of the time and in fact its rich forests gave residents large timber quantities that helped to build the economy.
Even today Samos is famous for the construction of traditional wooden boats, for example the “Perama” type. The island seems to have been inhabited since the 4th millennium BC according to the findings of the excavations.
It is worth a visit the Archaeological Museum of the island. Apart the archaeological sites which is registered in the UNESCO World Heritage List, on the island you will find beautiful beaches, delicious food and friendly people.
? Paco
you might be
interested in
a vacation at Loutraki Thermal Spa or to see the 7-Days Classical Tour of Greece visiting mainland sights, after having visited Pythagoreion and the Heraion of Samos
