Messene

The most impactful of these measures was the foundation of Messene, an impregnable city for the Helots right on Sparta’s doorstep.

But I resisted stopping and kept plowing southwest until I reached Messene three hours later.

Like so many classical capitals, Messene sits in a commanding spot, overlooking a wide open plain and surrounded by a wreath of mountains.

Officials said the fire raced by the nearby ruined ancient city of Messene and its archaeological museum, without causing damage.

Argos fell to Temenus, Lacedaemon to Procles and Eurysthenes, the twin sons of Aristodemus; and Messene to Cresphontes.