Archaeological Site of Aiani – Ancient City
Your visit to the hill of Megali Rachi will illuminate an impressive part of the region’s ancient history. Ancient Aiani identifies with the settlement uncovered on the high, naturally fortified hill of Megali Rachi, stretching on successive levels. Although the site had suffered extensive stone removal in the past, excavations brought to light impressive public buildings, private residences, a large central reservoir that supplied the city with water, streets and shops, workshops and religious spaces, as well as monumental built tombs with rich grave goods.
The site was continuously inhabited since the Neolithic Era (5th millennium BC), continuing through the Bronze and Iron Ages. Its greatest prosperity occurred during the Classical and Hellenistic periods, while overall evidence shows that Aiani functioned as the capital of the ancient kingdom of Elimeia since early times. Megali Rachi was permanently abandoned towards the end of the Hellenistic period.
