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Description of Greece

work by Pausanias
Also known as: “Periegesis Hellados”

Quick Summary

The Description of Greece is a work by Pausanias, a Greek traveler and geographer who flourished in the 2nd century AD. His writings offer an invaluable guide to ancient ruins and are divided into 10 books, detailing a tour of Greece starting from Attica.1

Pausanias's account of each city includes a historical sketch followed by a topographical description. He provides insights into the daily life, rituals, and folklore of the inhabitants, with a particular focus on religious art and architecture, especially at Olympia and Delphi. His accurate descriptions have been confirmed by archaeological remains, and his work is considered essential for understanding the remnants of ancient Greece.1

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3 Britannica Sources
  1. Pausanias
  2. Pausanias
  3. Central Greece

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