Ancient Messene perimeter fortifications. The classical city of Messene in the western Peloponnese was constructed over the ruins of Ithome, an ancient city originally of the Achaean Greeks, destroyed previously by the Spartans and abandoned over time. Under it's ancient name Pherae, it is mentioned by Homer as the home of Diocles. The tower and walls of Messene show signs over the centuries of being subject to many earth movements and tremors.