Troezen

Troezen, also spelled Troizen (Greek: Τρωΐζην), is an ancient city located on the eastern coast of the Peloponnese in the Argolis region, facing the Saronic Gulf. Its position along a natural harbor gave Troezen a maritime character, facilitating trade and contact with neighboring coastal towns and islands.

In antiquity Troezen was a notable polis that played a role in the regional balance of power during the Archaic and Classical periods. The city is cited in various ancient sources and is associated with the broader political and military dynamics of the era, including alliances and conflicts with neighboring city-states. Troezen is also linked to Greek myth and literature; according to tradition, the hero Theseus was raised in Troezen by Pittheus before his journey to Athens, making the city part of the legendary narrative surrounding Theseus.

Archaeological evidence at the site shows long-term occupation from early antiquity through the Hellenistic period. Excavations have revealed fortifications on a hill or acropolis, along with other public and religious structures and inscriptions that illuminate the city’s civic life and cult practices. The remains are located near the modern coastal town of Troizinia (also known as Troizen), in the Argolis regional unit, where the landscape preserves elements of the ancient harbor and settlement.

Today Troezen is studied as an example of urban development along the Saronic Gulf and its role in the maritime networks of the eastern Peloponnese. The site continues to attract scholarly attention and is of interest for understanding both classical history and Greek myth.