Prefecture of Larissa Greece Mythology and History Mountain

Prefecture of Larissa, Greece: Mythology and History, Mountain and Sea, City of Larissa. by Ilias Savvas

Prefecture of Larissa: the myths…live here 2

Location Thessaloniki Larissa Athens

Weather Conditions: From -5 35 (winter summer) Celsius degrees C E N T R A L S Q U A R E

Mythology… n The presence of mount Olympus (the mount of 12 ancient Gods) in the northern section of the prefecture of Larissa has ensured that a mythological atmosphere has pervaded the area since ancient times. 5

…Mythology n According to the myth, Larissa was built by Lariso, son of Pelasgos and was named such by the daughter of Pelasgos, Larissa (about 4, 000 years ago), n Besides Larissa, several other cities, as mentioned by Homer in the catalogue of ships, sent many men and ships to the Trojan War (Achilles was the most famous of them). 6

History: Prehistoric period (… 11 B. C. ) n More than 50 Paleolithic sites, mainly along river Pineios. 7

History: Historic period (11 B. C. 4 A. D. ) n From the late 7 th B. C. Larissa became the most important Thessalian city. n Thessalians took part at the Trojian War, Persians Wars, and they were on the side of the Spartans against the Athenians in the Peloponnesian Wars (360 B. C. ) 8

History: Roman period (354 B. C. 4 th c. A. D. ) n Larissa saw its final period of prosperity under the Romans when it became the seat of the new Common of Thessaly. 9

History: Christian period (4 th c. 14 th c. ) n Long period of barbarian invasions. n Many churches and monasteries were established. 10

History: Turkish Domination (15 th c. 19 th c. ) n Large Turkish population established themselves in Thessaly and initially in Larissa, n Several uprisings took place – the most important the revolution in Olympus mountain (1850). 11

History: New Greek State n Larissa is the capital of the region of Thessaly -central Greece- and also the capital of the Prefecture of Larissa, n Agricultural city but the majority of the farmers were tenant farmers for the few landlords. The 20 th century began with the revolution of the farmers, and the land was partially redistributed. n Second World War was a very bad period for Larissa since the city was heavily bombed. 12

Prefecture of Larissa: Mountain & Sea… Mountain OLYMPUS 13

Mountain Olympus… The Twelve Gods of ancient Greek mythology lived on the peaks from which they governed the fates of humans. 14

…Mountain Olympus n Highest Peaks: n Mytikas 2918 m (7962 feet), n n n Skolio 2911 m, Stefani 2907 m, Skala 2866 m, Agios Antonios 2816 m, Prophet Ilias 2803 m, Toumpa 2802 m… 15

Prefecture of Larissa: Mountain & Sea… n The Aegean Sea has carved a rich lacework of large sandy beaches and jagged coastline dotted with small bays suitable for bathing and pebbled beaches in this region. 16

…Prefecture of Larissa: Mountain & Sea n Interesting Places: n Agiokampos, n Velika, n Stomio, n Messagala, … 17

City of Larissa… n The population of the greater area is around 250, 000 (takes in some small suburban communities), n City of Larissa: about 220, 000 habitants, n Capital of region of Thessaly and also capital of Prefecture of Larissa, n Built in the same location since ancient times. The Cathedral (from Pineios river)

…City of Larissa… The ancient theatre

…City of Larissa… Art Gallery 20

…City of Larissa Wild horse: The city’s symbol

How to get to Larissa n By air: n From most of European cities to Athens or Thessaloniki, n From Athens or Thessaloniki to Larissa: n by train (www. ose. gr), n by bus (www. ktel. org. en/timetable. asp) or car. Estimated time Athens-Larissa (350 km) Thessaloniki. Larissa (150 km) train ~4 hours ~1 h 20 min bus ~4 hours ~1 h 30 min car ~3 h 30 min ~1 h 20 min 22