Morea

Morea is a historical name for the Peloponnese, the large peninsula in southern Greece. The term was widely used by Western Europeans from the late medieval period through the 19th century and appears in maps, travel writings, and diplomatic documents of the era. The origin of the name is uncertain; it is an exonym used by outsiders and is not part of the modern Greek term for the region, which is Peloponnese (Pelopónnisos).

Geography: The Morea lies between the Ionian Sea to the west and the Aegean Sea to the east. It is connected to the mainland by the Isthmus of Corinth. The region encompasses rugged mountains, notably the Taygetos and Parnon ranges, fertile valleys, and extensive coastlines. Today the area corresponds to most of the southwestern part of Greece. Its principal urban centers include Patras, Kalamata, Tripoli, and Corinth. Prominent archaeological and historic sites include Ancient Olympia, Epidaurus, Mycenae, and Pylos.

History: After the Fourth Crusade, the peninsula was ruled by Frankish and then Venetian authorities before falling under Ottoman control in the 15th century. In Western literature the territory was frequently referred to as Morea, and the term featured in various administrative and military contexts. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries the French carried out the Morea Expedition in the region during the Greek War of Independence, contributing to military operations and scientific studies, including archaeology and geography.

Modern status: Today the region is part of Greece's Peloponnese region. The term Morea is retained mainly in historical, archaeological, and literary contexts and is not used as an official designation.