Nemea

Nemea (/ˈniːmiə/; Greek: Νεμέα) is an ancient site in the northeastern part of the Peloponnese, in Greece. Formerly part of the territory of Cleonae in Argolis, it is today situated in the regional unit of Corinthia. The small village of Archaia Nemea (formerly known as "Koutsoumadi" and then "Iraklion") is immediately southwest of the archaeological site, while the new town of Nemea lies to the west.

Here in Greek mythology Heracles overcame the Nemean Lion of the Lady Hera, and here during Antiquity the Nemean Games were played, in three sequence, ending about 235 BCE, celebrated in the eleven Nemean odes of Pindar.

Myth, legend and history

In Greek mythology, Nemea was ruled by king Lycurgus and queen Eurydice. Nemea was famous in Greek myth as the home of the Nemean Lion, which was killed by the hero Heracles, and as the place where the infant Opheltes, lying on a bed of parsley, was killed by a serpent while his nurse fetched water for the Seven on their way from Argos to Thebes. The Seven founded the Nemean Games in his memory, according to its aition, or founding myth, accounting for the crown of victory being made of parsley or the wild form of celery and for the black robes of the judges, interpreted as a sign of mourning. The Nemean Games were documented from 573 BC, or earlier, at the sanctuary of Zeus at Nemea.

Nemea (town)

Nemea (Greek: Νεμέα) is a town in Corinthia, Greece, and the seat of municipality with the same name (Δήμος Νεμέας). It is located a few kilometres west of ancient Nemea, with a population of under four thousand people.

Economy

Its primary industry is agriculture and it is the hub for several small villages circling it, including Koutsi, Petri, and Leriza. Nemea is famous for its many wines grown on the plains that surround it. It is also home to DK Distributors, one of the largest distribution companies in Eastern Europe.

Wine Region

Located next to the new town of Nemea, appx. 30 kilometers from Corinth, the appellation of Nemea is the most important red wine AOC of southern Greece and arguably of all of Greece. In Nemea, the indigenous Greek Agiorgitiko grape is used and produces wines famous for their deep red color, complex aroma and long, velvety palate.

References

External links

Nemea (disambiguation)

Nemea may refer to: