While it’s pretty common to label the Egyptian pyramids the stuff of “ancient mysteries,” it’s something entirely new to discover similar structures worldwide. Such is the case with the Pyramids of Argolis, Greece, and their most famous design, the Hellinikon Pyramid.
The Ancient Greek Pyramids
There are several ancient pyramid-like buildings in southern Greece, the most impressive is the structure near the village Hellinikon in Argolis (Eastern Peloponnese). Some of these buildings have suffered significant and irreparable damages.
The following pyramids are mentioned in Greece (Lazos, 1995):
Hellinikon in Hellinikon and Kephalari – It’s the best-preserved one.
Liguria in Epidaurus – Today, only its base exists.
Dalamanara in Epidaurus – Only traces remain.
Kambia, tower for fire-signaling, in Nea Epidaurus – It’s preserved to some height.
Sikyon in Corinthia – Only traces remain.
Viglafia in Neapoli (Laconia) – Only its base exists.
Ambio near Thebes (Thiva) – Partly remains.
In addition to the above, two other singular structures have been referred to as pyramid-like buildings: the cone-like Pyramid in Chania (Crete) and the Rock Pyramid forming the peak of Mt. Taygete. However, the latter is just the natural peak of the mountain, the tallest in Peloponnese (2,407 meters).
Professor Ioannis Liritzis (1995 & 1997), the diligent researcher of such ancient megalithic structures, supports the view that there are over 20 ancient Greek pyramids; they refer to pyramid-like systems in Astros (in Kynouria, to the south of Argolis), in Neochori of Phthiotida (they even date it in 11,000 BC), in Agios Andreas of Mt. Parnassos, in Vathy (of Avlis, in northern Boeotia), and other places.
The Pyramid Of Hellinikon
The true purpose of the Hellinikon remains unknown, although experts have theorized that a battle once took place at the site.
On the way from Argos to Epidauria, there is a building made very like a pyramid, and on it in relief are wrought shields of the Argive shape. A fight for the throne between Proetus and Acrisius; the contest, they say, ended in a draw, and a reconciliation resulted afterward, as neither could gain a decisive victory. The story is that they and their hosts were armed with shields, which were first used in this battle. For those that fell on either side was built here a joint tomb, as they were fellow citizens and relatives.
The Intriguing Part Of The Hellinikon Pyramid
While the mystery of what’s inside the Hellenikon is undoubtedly intriguing, what truly fascinates theorists is the fact that it was supposedly built in 2720 BCE ― making it significantly older than any of the Egyptian pyramids.
In 1938, an American archaeological expedition ascertained the Pyramid’s construction at around 300-400 BCE; however, in 1991, the scientific team led by professor Liritzis used a new method to calculate the Pyramid’s age and placed it around 3000 BCE. Later research performed by the Academy of Athens and the University of Edinburgh changed to 2720 BCE.
If those numbers are correct, this Pyramid is older than the Pyramid of Zoser (Djoser) in Egypt, which is currently considered the most senior Egyptian Pyramid ― even though the age of the Egyptian pyramids and sphinx is a controversial topic.
