For the first time, archaeologists have uncovered physical evidence proving the existence of Tenea, an ancient Trojan city once thought to exist only in myth. This remarkable discovery sheds light on a long-lost civilization believed to have been founded after the Trojan War.
Tenea, a city referenced in ancient Greek myths and texts, has eluded historians for centuries. According to Greek legend, it was established by Trojans who were captured after the fall of Troy. The discovery near Chiliomodi, a village in southern Greece, marks the first confirmed evidence of the city’s existence.
Archaeologist Elena Korka, director of Greece’s Office for Supervision of Antiquaries and Private Archaeological Collections, has led the search for Tenea since 1984. “The Trojans built Tenea after the end of the Trojan War,” Korka said. Despite references to the city in ancient texts, there is little tangible evidence of this until now.
The excavation site revealed an organized residential area stretching more than 670 meters (733 yards), with well-preserved marble, stone, and clay floors. Notable finds include beams, small columns, storage spaces filled with jugs, and the tombs of two infants. These discoveries and earlier findings suggest that Tenea was a prosperous city.
Korka’s journey to uncover Tenea began in 1984 when she and her team discovered a sarcophagus in the region. Feeling more to be found, she returned in 2013 to continue the search, eventually leading to the excavation project that began in 2018.
The team initially uncovered an ancient road and a nearby graveyard containing the remains of multiple individuals, including two men, five women, and two children. The discovery of clay pipes at the site indicated the city’s long-term settlement and infrastructure, which Korka believes dates back to the Mycenaean era.
The city’s wealth became evident during the reign of Roman Emperor Septimius Severus (193-211 A.D.), and it is believed to have been abandoned around the 6th century.
Korka emphasized the discovery’s significance: “We’ve found evidence of life and death… and all this is just a small part of the history of the place.” With its rich history and connection to the Trojan War, Tenea is now recognized as a real place rather than a mere legend.
