The area surrounding Nafplion, Greece was inhabited about 1600 BC. In 685 BC the area allied with Sparta. Nafplion became an important port City. Between 500-600 AD Nafplion shrunk in size to a castle and a small settlement. About 1200 AD Nafplion defended itself against the western crusaders. The Castle of Bourtzi was constructed in the harbor, the fortification was completed in 1473 to protect from enemies. (1930-1970 the castle was a hotel, now it's a tourist attraction.) In 1711 the Palamidi Fortress was built on the hill overlooking Nafplion. There are 999 stairs that will take you to the top, 709 feet elevation. The fortress is considered a masterpiece of military architecture. In 1822 the Greeks captured the fortress marking their independence from the Ottoman Empire.

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