Messenian

Quick Facts: Who was Messenian?

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Messenian

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A regional unit in the southwestern Peloponnese, Greece, with a history spanning antiquity to modern times.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Messenia or Messinia ( mə-SEE-nee-ə; Greek: Μεσσηνία [mesiˈni.a]) is a regional unit (perifereiaki enotita) in the southwestern part of the Peloponnese region, in Greece. Until the implementation of the Kallikratis plan on 1 January 2011, Messenia was a prefecture (nomos) covering the same territory. The capital and largest city of Messenia is Kalamata. Messenia borders on Elis to the north, Arcadia to the northeast, and Laconia to the southeast. The Ionian Sea lies to the west, and the Gulf of Messinia to the south.

Career & Major Achievements

The most important mountain ranges are the Taygetus in the east, the Kyparissia mountains in the northwest and the Lykodimo in the southwest. The main rivers are the Neda in the north and the Pamisos in central Messenia. Off the south coast of the southwesternmost point of Messenia lie the Messinian Oinousses islands. The largest of these are Sapientza, Schiza and Venetiko. The small island Sphacteria closes off the bay of Pylos.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

All these islands are virtually uninhabited. Climate may vary, in the lowlands, temperatures are a bit warmer than Athens. Snow is not common during winter months except for the mountains, especially the Taygetus. Rain and clouds are common inland. Before the 2010 reorganization, Messenia was a nomos (prefecture) containing 29 dimoi (municipalities) and 2 koinotites (communities).

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 2010: 2010 Milestone — Before the 2010 reorganization, Messenia was a nomos (prefecture) containing 29 dimoi (municipalities) and 2 koinotites (communities).
2. 2011: 2011 Milestone — Until the implementation of the Kallikratis plan on 1 January 2011, Messenia was a prefecture (nomos) covering the same territory.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Messenian

True or False: “The region of Messenia was never conquered or enslaved by ancient Sparta.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Historical records indicate that the region was one of the largest areas that was conquered and enslaved as helots by ancient Sparta.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Messenian