Epáno Englianós - Palace of Nestor

The Mycenaean palace (Palace of Nestor) at Epáno Englianós (18 km/11 mi north of Pylos) is not so imposing as Mycenae or Tiryns, since it lacks their massive cyclopean walls (it is the only unfortified Mycenaean palace); but the layout is so clear and easy to follow that the site is a very rewarding one to visit. The whereabouts of Nestor's stronghold were the subject of dispute even in ancient times; but the American excavations in 1939 and since 1952 have suggested very strongly that the palace found here was indeed the home of the Homeric hero. The excavations brought to light some early remains dating from before 1300 B.C., an Old Palace (1280 B.C.) and a New Palace (1250 B.C.): dates which fit in with the traditions about Neleus's conquest of the land, his palace and the palace of his son Nestor.