Troezen

Troezen (Ancient Greek: Τροιζήν) was an ancient city in the Argolis region of the Peloponnese peninsula, Greece. It was located near the modern town of Trizina, on the Saronic Gulf coast, opposite Aegina.

Historically, Troezen claimed to be founded by King Pittheus, who was renowned for his wisdom and eloquence. According to mythology, it was in Troezen that Theseus, the Athenian hero, was born and raised by his mother Aethra. His father was either King Aegeus of Athens or, in some versions, Poseidon.

Troezen played a significant role in Greek history. In 480 BC, before the Battle of Salamis, the city offered refuge to the Athenian women, children, and elderly, making it an essential location for the survival of Athens during the Persian Wars. Its inhabitants were considered Dorians, and the city participated in various conflicts and alliances throughout its history.

Pausanias, the Greek travel writer of the 2nd century AD, visited Troezen and described several notable landmarks and religious sites, including temples dedicated to Artemis Soteira (Savior Artemis), Hippolytus, and Aphrodite. The Asklepieion, a sanctuary dedicated to Asclepius, the god of medicine, was also a prominent feature.

The name "Troezen" may also refer to the broader territory surrounding the city, and its influence extended to nearby settlements.