The village of Amyklai, 4 kilometres south of Sparta, was the site of one of the earliest known settlements in the Evrotas Valley, occupied since Neolithic times.

It developed into an important Mycenaean settlement, and was later absorbed into Doric Sparta. The main point of interest for the modern visitor is the Sanctuary of Apollo Amykles, which occupies a low hill overlooking the Evrotas River about 1 kilometre east of the village. Built at the end of the sixth century BC, it was one of Sparta’s most important temples. It was a large, square structure, with colonnades surrounding an open central courtyard. At the centre of the courtyard was a giant statue of Apollo, which reportedly stood 13 metres high.

The celebrated tholos tomb of Vathio, on the south-eastern edge of the village, is further evidence of the region’s importance in Mycenaean times. The tomb, which was covered by a low earth mound, was built in the Mycenaean beehive style.