Η τά μάλιστα λεωφόρος (Pausanias 8.54.5) in Arkadia

Abstract

There are three main passages between Tegea and the valley of Achladokambos, the ancient Hysiai: a) the northern, around the hill of Mouchli, called unanimously Gyros; b) one south of Mouchli, formerly known by locals as Skala tou (Halil) Bey and in foreign literature usually as Kaki Skala, and c) the southern most, which crosses the Mount Parthenion, called indeed Partheni, which non-Greek scholars wrongly identify as Skala tou Bey. This 'Partheni' pass is the shortest route, but very steep; many ancient wheel-ruts are preserved there, but not in its entire length. On the original 'Skala tau Bey' route it has not been possible to find evidence for an ancient road. The 'Gyros' route is not recent, it has an interesting history as a 'route carrossiere', and it is ancient. Two travellers of the 19th century observed and recorded ancient wheelmarks there, and similar marks have recently been identified by the author at a third location on this ancient road. The ancient 'Gyros' road is the longest route, but it is the easiest one and suitable for carriages, and should be identified as the λεωφόρος from Tegea to Argos mentioned by Pausanias (8.54.5).