Vafeio is an area 6 km. from Sparta. The famous ‘treasure of Vafeio’ was discovered here inside a great Mycenaean-type, tholos or ‘domed’ tomb (1500 – 1450 BC, with priceless artifacts, consisting of gold, ivory and precious gems). The treasure is now on display at the Archaeological Museum of Athens. In the aforementioned tomb, two cups, ‘the cups of Vafeio’, were unearthed. These golden cups, decorated with reliefs depicting the hunting of wild bulls, are a testimony to the high quality of metalwork produced during this era.

According to Greek archaeologist Christos Tsountas, at the site of the village of Vafeio, about 300 meters north of Paliopyrgos hill, lies the ancient city of Faris. In 1888, a vaulted Mycenaean tomb was found, containing burial offerings. Among them were two golden cups decorated with relief scenes depicting the hunting of wild bulls. These are now on display at the National Archaeological Museum. The ancient city of Faris was mentioned by Homer and was one of the six cities that made up the archaic Hexapolis of Lakonia.

Source: ‘Idiomorfi’ Publications