Asea, Greece
History
Ancient Asea occupied a hilltop site and is believed to have been settled by the late Early Helladic period. Evidence suggests that this was destroyed by fire and that the site was reoccupied during the Middle Helladic (MH). Remains consist of much Black Minyan pottery of various types and a number of graves. The lack of evidence later than the late MH period could result from abandonment of the site at that time or just from natural erosion.
Asea is said to be named for Aseatas, son of the Spartan king, Lycaon, however it may have been established as early as 6000 BC. Its treasures are kept in archaeological museums in Tripoli, Nafplio, and Athens. The ruins of the ancient city still stand, most notably doric temples dedicated to Poseidon and Athena, and they indicate that Asea was once a prosperous city. According to Pausanias, the two temples were erected by Odysseus after his return to Ithaca. Inhabitants of Asea fought in the historic battles of Plataies (479 BC) and Battle of Mantinea (362 BC). City coins have been found dated 196 BC. Asea took part in the founding of the city of Megalopoli.
Ongoing conflicts between the tribes of Asea and Kato Asea have continued into the 20th century. More recently, a peace treaty was signed in 2021 between leaders of the two communities and provide the hope that generations of disagreements have finally come to an end.
Population
Year | Settlement population | Community population |
---|---|---|
1981 | 167 | - |
1991 | 145 | - |
2001 | 167 | 223 |
2011 | 85 | 132 |
2021 | 89 | 130 |
People
Asea is the birthplace of Nikos Gatsos, a twentieth-century poet. Nikos Gatsos was born 1911 and died in 1992. He was buried in Asea.