Peloponnesus

Peloponnesus, also known as the Peloponnese, is a large peninsula in southern Greece that forms the southern part of the Greek mainland. It is connected to central Greece by the Isthmus of Corinth and is bordered by the Ionian Sea to the west and the Aegean Sea to the east; its southern tip lies at Cape Tenaro (Cape Matapan). The name derives from the mythological figure Pelops, a king of Pisa.

Administratively, the Peloponnese is divided into the regional units of Achaea, Arcadia, Argolis, Corinthia, Elis, Laconia, and Messenia. It has a varied landscape, with rugged mountain ranges such as Taygetos and Parnon, deep valleys, and fertile plains in Elis, Arcadia, and Laconia. The coastline is irregular, featuring numerous gulfs, peninsulas, and islets.

Historically, the region was the heartland of ancient Sparta in Laconia and hosted important sites including Mycenae and Epidaurus in Argolis and Olympia in Elis. It played a central role in classical Greece and was a principal arena in the Peloponnesian War (431–404 BCE) between Athens and Sparta. The Isthmus of Corinth and the nearby Corinth Canal have long connected the Peloponnese to the Greek mainland, influencing trade and travel.

In contemporary Greece, the Peloponnese is a distinct geographic and cultural region. Its economy centers on agriculture, tourism, and light industry, with notable cities such as Patras (Achaea), Kalamata (Messenia), Tripoli (Arcadia), Nafplio (Argolis), and Corinth (Corinthia). The region is known for its archaeological sites, coastal towns, and diverse landscapes.