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Nemea lies in the southwestern part of the prefecture of Corinth. Mountains dominate the area and surround two fertile valleys, that of ancient Nemea which is crossed by the Nemea River, and that of the Asopus, also known as the Phliasian plain. Given that the region was privileged with abundant water, fertile land, and many natural passages that favored communication with neighboring sites, human activity had already developed here in the Neolithic period. Its name has been closely linked with Hercules, since the hero performed his first labor, the slaying of the Nemean lion, in one of its mountain caves. In the historical period, the region became known for the Doric city of Phlious, which grew up around the hill of Rachiotissa where its acropolis was. Phliasian wine was famous throughout Greece. But above all it became known for its Sanctuary of Zeus and the Panhellenic Games held there. Thus, Nemea is a region with a long history, extraordinary physical beauty, and a good number of still-hidden secrets awaiting future excavations to bring them to light.
