Ancient Acropolis of Sami

The Ancient Acropolis of Sami, located near the modern port town of Sami on the island of Kefalonia, offers a captivating glimpse into the island's rich history. This fortified settlement, dating back to the Paleolithic era, was once an autonomous and independent city-state with its own currency. Sami's strategic location on Lapitha Mountain provided a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside and the Ionian Sea.References to Ancient Sami appear in Homer's poems, the Iliad and the Odyssey, noting its participation in the Trojan War. In 188 BC, the Romans besieged Sami, leading to the loss of its freedom. However, the city flourished again during the Roman era, developing trade relations and increasing its population.Today, visitors can explore the ruins of Sami from the Classical period on the hills of Paleocastro and Agioi Fanentes, where the two acropolis sites are located. Discover remnants of the Hellenistic-era citadel, including fortification walls with twenty-two entrances, a theater, and various tombs dating back to the 3rd century BC. Excavations have also revealed an ancient temple in Alepovouni and four cemeteries. The wealth of the city's inhabitants is evident in the marble used in construction and the mosaics that adorned the buildings.