Asini

A cozy village right next to Tolo

Southeast of Nafplio, Asini is a large village with roughly 1200 residents and a charming small harbour. Built in the shape of an egg at the base of a tall mountain, it has a modest church dedicated to the prophet Elias at the top. Citrus and garden product cultivation, together with livestock rearing, are the primary occupations of the locals. Asini was Sparta's ally in the conflict with Argos, based on historical evidence. In 740 BC, the Argos army destroyed Asini after the conflict, forcing many residents into exile. The area has been occupied since the Early Bronze Age (3000 BC), according to excavations conducted by Swedish archaeologists beginning in 1922. The city had ties to the famous Mycenae during the Mycenaean Period. Asini's involvement in the Trojan War is mentioned in Homer's "Catalogue of Ships" (neōn katalogos). The ancient Asini had been home to Dryopes. The city was virtually abandoned when the Argeians destroyed it around 700 BC. Around 300 BC, more settlers will arrive. The region was given the name "Tzaferaga" by the Turks during their rule, in honour of Turkish Governor Aga-Tzafer. The village was given the name Asini in 1902, following the name of the old city.