The Egyptian and the North and South American pyramids are famous, but few people realise that in Greece there are also a number of pyramids, though they are small and often little more than ruins nowadays. The most well known and preserved is at Hellenikon. This is a site near Argos in the Peloponnesus, about 6 kilometres to the southwest.

The half-collapsed pyramid is surrounded by fencing. The structure is made of limestone which apparently originates from the surrounding hills.

The pyramid is strangely shaped and is open at one side. Each of the stones has an individual characteristic shape - tapered, trapezoidal or polygon - and all fit perfectly. No cement can be observed at first glance.

It is unknown what the purpose of this pyramid was. Tourists are told that it was a shelter for soldiers patrolling the road from Argosto Tegea, but proof substantiating this statement is lacking. Who the builders were and the period around which it was built are also issues subject to speculation. The results of several dating methods suggest 2700 BC to 400 BC.

The Hellenikon pyramid is excellently positioned. From it one overlooks the plain and the bay of Argos. In ancient times, the plain may have been under water which would have made this pyramid a recognisable beacon for arriving ships. The opening of the pyramid is toward the side of the bay which could mean that this pyramid served as a sort of lighthouse.

Background information on this Greek pyramid may be found in the book "Weird Ancient technology".

Archaeological investigations in  ref. Theocaris1.