The Pyramid of Hellinikon is located in the plain of Argolid, Greece. In the times of Pausanias, it was considered to be a tomb. Twentieth century researchers have suggested other possible uses. The pyramid is the oldest in the world erected at about 2720 B.C.
At the Southeastern edge of the plain of Argolid, near the springs of the Erasinos river (nowadays Kephalari) and on the main arterial road which in antiquity led from Argos to Tegea and the rest of Arcadia and Kynouria, there is a small structure extant known as the Pyramid of Hellenikon.
Historical references
Although the pyramid structures of Argolis are of great interest, written references are rather scarce. Pausanias (2nd century AD) mentions two buildings resembling pyramids, one, twelve miles southwest of the still standing structure at Hellinikon,[4] a common tomb for soldiers who died in a legendary struggle for the throne of Argos and another which he was told was the tomb of Argives killed in a battle around 669/8 BC. Neither of these still survive.
On the way from Argos to Epidauria there is on the right a building made very like a pyramid, and on it in relief are wrought shields of the Argive shape. Here took place a fight for the throne between Proetus and Acrisius; the contest, they say, ended in a draw, and a reconciliation resulted afterwards, as neither could gain a decisive victory. The story is that they and their hosts were armed with shields, which were first used in this battle. For those that fell on either side was built here a common tomb, as they were fellow citizens and kinsmen.[5]
Pausanias says that in this battle, shields were employed for the first time. This later remark by Pausanias is indicative of the great antiquity of the structure, as estimated by him and his contemporaries
Pyramid of Hellinikon
