Amphiareion of Oropos

Another largely ignored gem is the archaeological site of the Amphiareion of Oropos.  This was largely a site of healing, and therefore, not located in some remote hilltop, but rather adjacent to a spring and river at the bottom of the Mavrodelesi ravine.  After all, if you are sick, it's hard to climb those rock-laden goat paths...

It is a wonderfully well-preserved and detailed site, but unfortunately, the map wasn't obvious until we were half-way through our exploration.  

View as we descended from the street into the site.

In one of those moments of delayed gratification, we decided to leave the temple for the end, and started with the steele and stoa.

Stoa and colonnade.  Dead grass indicating where the steps up to the colonnade likely begin.

Plumbing conduits for upper spring baths.

By this point, we saw a lovely series of benches beneath the shade of some trees, and found a few signs describing the area.  The map would have been more helpful at the entrance of the site, but, well, as least there was a map!  Now, we were off to hunt down the rest of the items on this list.  

Also, now from this perspective, I could easily see the double wall with buttressing walls (see sample white square) which had been engineered to support the hill from collapsing.  

Theatre

Backstage ready to go on!

VIP seating.  Marble carved thrones with an inscription to Amphiareos.

Kleptisidra or "water thief".  A clock using water levels to measure the passage of time.  See also Randall's post about Kotsanas Museum, where we also saw water used as alarms and timers.

Pot shards, including one piece with color?

North side.  As this side of the site is not maintained, it was a little like hunting for rocks amidst the weeds.  We were more likely to trip over a spare part or twist an ankle in an unexpected depression than be able to appreciate the layout of the settlement, so I had to stop.

The spring, still active!

Lower baths, adjacent to the spring.  Left showing plumbing channel; right showing basins.

Altar.  I was intrigued that it had hollow areas.  This was the first time we could see into the altar.  Usually, it's just a slab showing where it was, the blocks having been repurposed to eradicate the pagan worship.  Otherwise, the altar has remained untouched--Alifera, Delphi, Heraios of Argos.

And finally, the Temple of Amphiaraos.

I will note that the columns are not as originally placed, although the pediments indicate columns would be in these locations.  These drums are simply placeholders.  Some had some unusual carved areas, but were mismatched and askew for any reasonable purpose.  Still, it was incredible to see and explore.