Pythagorean and Heraion of Samos

Samos was the leading maritime and mercantile power in the Greek world in the 6th century B.C., and this importance is reflected in the extent and richness of the archaeological remains, which are largely untouched by subsequent development. It consists of the ancient city (Pythagorean) and the classical Temple of Hera (Heraion). Pythagorean is a classic site from the period of Greek colonization, situated round a good natural harbour on a peninsula that is protected by steep mountains behind it. It also had the advantage of being very close to the mainland of Asia Minor. The great Temple of Hera (Heraion) is the most important of the sanctuaries dedicated to Hera. Hera was the wife and one of three sisters of Zeus in the Olympian pantheon of Greek mythology and religion. The temple has its origins in the 8th century B.C., when it was the first Greek temple to be surrounded by a peristyle of columns. This monument belongs to Unesco World Heritage list.