One of Greece’s most important archaeological sites has escaped serious injuries after firefighters tamed a forest chimney that hit the surrounding countryside, authorities said Monday.
The chimney erupted on Sunday at noon near the ruins of Mycenae, one of the centres of ancient Greek civilization, about 120 kilometers (75 miles) southwest of Athens, prompting the evacuation of visitors and personnel.
“The damage to the archaeological site was as little as possible, as firefighters acted temporarily and the dry plants of the domain had been cleaned,” said Culture Minister Lina Mendoni after examining the domain.
The flames licked the bronze age ruins near the tomb of Agamemnon, the king of Mycenae and head of greek city-state forces during the Trojan War.
The castle city of the moment millennium BC, one of the main centers of the ancient Greek civilization.
The castle city of the moment millennium BC one of the main centers of the ancient Greek civilization Photo: Eurokinissi / –
Monday’s photos showed the 3250-year-old Lion’s Stone Gate, the front of the ancient city, blackened by smoke.
On Monday it remained closed to visitors, but the archaeological museum reopened.
Mendoni said he will also reopen soon, adding that “visitors will only see some burnt grass on the ground.”
Greece suffers wildfires every summer, with strong winds and temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit).
Thirteen years ago, a fireplace threatened the temples and stadiums of ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games.
Firefighters were to save the site, yet dozens of other folks in the prolonged domain died.