The Pyramid of Hellinikon: The Tomb of Achilles?

The Pyramid of Hellinikon can be found amid the flat plains of ancient Argos in the heart of Greece. The pyramidal form of this unique structure is what sets it apart from other structures in Greece. The age and reason for its distinctive shape have been the focus of debates for quite some time, with some theories suggesting it was constructed as early as 2720 BCE, which could mean it is older than even the famous Egyptian pyramids. However, other theories suggest that it was constructed in the 13th century BCE, aligning with the era of the Trojan War, or possibly in the 4th to 3rd centuries BC, during the times of Perikles and Alexander the Great. The purpose of the pyramid has been similarly an ongoing topic of speculations.

  

What secrets does the only pyramid in Europe hide? 
(Credit: Egerváry Gergely, CC BY 3.0 DEED)

Hellinikon's distinctive design leads to various theories. The construction method of the pyramid is similar to that of the ancient Egyptians and Incas, and it is made up of large stone blocks that are carefully aligned without mortar. This unique aspect raises speculation: could there be a connection with the ancient Egyptians? Or perhaps, like the Egyptian pyramids, was it intended as a burial place for a notable king or a famous hero? Or perhaps it conceals something more ordinary and less widely known? Join us in exploring the mysteries of this enigmatic structure.

The Location and Design of the Mysterious Pyramid

Ancient archaeological sites dating back to the Mycenaean civilization can be found in the Peloponnese's Argolid plain, where the pyramid is situated. The ancient city of Mycenae, a significant center of Mycenaean culture, is located close to this pyramid, which is well-known for its Lion's Gate and royal tombs, including the famous Tomb of Agamemnon. The pyramid lies approximately 30 kilometers (19 miles) northeast of the ancient site of Tiryns, which is famous for its massive cyclopean walls. Tiryns' construction, which is similar to those in the Pyramid of Hellinikon, utilizes large stone blocks that raise interesting questions about their possibly shared origin.

  

The Pyramid of Hellinikon is situated in a landscape full of ruins dating back to the Mycenaean period. Was it also built during this period?

Argos, another Mycenaean city, is located about 28 kilometers (17 miles) to the northeast of the pyramid.The pyramid also lies in proximity to the ancient town of Nafplio, a significant Mycenaean port located approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) to the northeast, Nafplio's may have played a role in the construction of the Pyramid of Hellinikon. Could the colossal stone blocks used in its construction have been transported to the site by sea?

The Pyramid of Hellinikon has a number of distinctive architectural features. 

Unlike the towering pyramids of Egypt, the pyramid of Hellinikon is relatively small, resembling a mound more than a grand structure. However, its unique pyramid shape and stepped, truncated design make it stand out from the typical Greek architectural style. Next to a classical Greek temple, the difference is easily noticeable.

          

Was it a tomb, a fortress, or a vault?

Hellinikon's Pyramid is considerably smaller than the famous Egyptian pyramids. The length and width are approximately 14 meters (about 46 feet), and the original height is around 7 meters (about 23 feet). However, these modest dimensions conceal the exceptional building technique employed in its construction. The pyramid is made up of massive limestone blocks, each with a weight of several tons, that are expertly joined together without the use of mortar. The use of this technique known as dry masonry or cyclopean construction can be found in nearby sites such as Tiryns and Mycenae, and it was also employed in ancient Incan structures in a similar manner. The structure's durability and precision in stone cutting and assembly indicate a high level of skill.

The Purpose of the Pyramid of Hellinikon

One of the main theories suggests that the Pyramid of Hellinikon was used as a tomb. This idea is supported by the fact that there is only one inner chamber. However, no burial objects were found inside the pyramid. 
An alternative hypothesis suggests that the pyramid may have operated as a fortress or watchtower. The strategic location on a small hill in the expansive Argolid plain and its robust construction suggest that it is suitable for defensive purposes. 
There are those who argue that the pyramid could have had religious significance or possibly served as an astronomical observatory. The alignment of the pyramid with astronomical events, like the equinox and phases of the moon, is the foundation of this idea.

The Tomb of Achilles?

The Hellinikon may be the place where Achilles, a famous Trojan War hero, was buried. The desire for greater fame, respect, and power than any other king is something Agamemnon, who was King of Mycenae and led the Greeks during the war, was known for. Though it is usually assumed that Achilles was buried near Troy, Homer states that Agamemnon brought back a huge spoil of war from Troy, which included many valuable objects and captives. Among them was Cassandra, the daughter of a Trojan King. Could he have taken Achilles' body with him as a valuable war prize? The pyramid's unique design may be a sign that it is the final resting place of an important hero. Furthermore, the pyramid is situated exactly in the realm of Agamemnon's ancient kingdom, which was centered around the city of Mycenae.

              

Did the Pyramid of Hellinikon serve as a tomb for the legendary Achilles?

An intriguing theory suggests that the Pyramid of Hellinikon held Achilles' spear, shield, and sword, not his body. According to Homer, after Achilles' death, a conflict erupted over who would inherit his legendary weapons, with notable figures such as Agamemnon, Ajax, and Odysseus contending for their possession. It's possible that Agamemnon, seeing himself as the supreme leader, used this opportunity to acquire these valued artifacts for himself. In the classical period of Greece, items like Achilles' supposed spear and shield were still known to exist. Alexander himself is reported to have seen them before his journey to Persia. If this theory is correct, it would mean that Achilles' armor must have been meticulously preserved in a special storage space for centuries, which accounts for the references to this armor well into the Christian era. Agamemnon's prestige and the stature of his realm could be enhanced by building the Hellinikon to store Achilles' armor, which would have ensured a long-term safekeeping of the artifacts. 
These theories, while speculative and unverified, portray the Pyramid of Hellinikon in a significantly different light.

Archeological excavations confirm ancient Mycenean origin

The Pyramid of Hellinikon's age is being debated a lot because of the different outcomes from traditional archaeological digs and advanced lab-based dating techniques. The Archaeological Museum of Nauplion's excavations revealed a diverse array of ceramics, spanning from the Classical to the early Christian periods. These excavations also found Early Helladic II artifacts in the outer foundations of the pyramid, above the bedrock. A study comparing the masonry showed that it shared many features with that of the Mycenaean era. Furthermore, the alignment of the pyramid's Long Entrance Corridor with the rise of Orion's belt suggests a possible construction date between 2400 and 2000 BC.

Not all the secrets of the pyramid have been revealed yet

The Mycenean timeline for the Pyramid of Hellinikon received further support from thermoluminescence tests conducted by The Academy of Athens on February 9, 1995. These tests on samples from the pyramid suggested an age of around 2500-2500 BC. Using thermoluminescence and optically stimulated luminescence methods, two ceramic pieces from Hellenikon were assigned dates in the range of 3000-250 BC and 660-200 BC. Based on these results, which mainly fluctuate around 2000 BC, there is a theory that the pyramid was built during the time of the Egyptian pyramids. However, it's crucial to note that, despite these findings, other evidence suggests that the pyramids might be significantly younger. 

Hellinikon's Pyramid is still a profound mystery. The fact that it exists is a reminder that history is often like a puzzle with undiscovered pieces. Each new discovery can have a significant impact on our understanding of past civilizations. The Pyramid of Hellinikon is still a subject of fascination and speculation. The next scientific investigation may finally reveal its true history and origin.