Skip to content
Category

Cities in ancient Greece

page 1
Delphi
thumb|upright=1.75|Delphi among the main Greek sanctuaries Delphi (; ), in legend previously called Pytho (Πυθώ), was an ancient sacred precinct in central Greece. It was the seat of Pythia, the major oracle who was consulted about important decisions throughout the ancient classical world. The ancient Greeks considered the centre of the world to be in Delphi, marked by the stone monument known as the Omphalos of Delphi. The term omphalos was the Greek word for "navel".
Larissa
Larissa (; , , ) is the capital and largest city of the Thessaly region in Greece. It is the fifth-most populous city in Greece with a population of 148,562 in the city proper, according to the 2021 census. It is also the capital of the Larissa regional unit. It is a principal agricultural centre and a national transport hub, linked by road and rail with the port of Volos and the cities of Thessaloniki and Athens. The municipality of Larissa has inhabitants, while the regional unit of Larissa has a population of ().
Rhodes
city on the homonymous island, Greece
Thebes
modern city in Boeotia, Greece
Q200133
Chalcis (; Ancient Greek and Katharevousa: , ), also called Chalkida or Halkida (Modern Greek: , ), is the chief city of the island of Euboea in Greece, situated on the Euripus Strait at its narrowest point. The name is preserved from antiquity and is derived from the Greek χαλκός (copper, bronze), though there is no trace of any mines in the area. In the Late Middle Ages, it was known as Negropont(e), an Italian name that has also been applied to the entire island of Euboea.
Lamia
city in central Greece
Nafpaktos
Nafpaktos () or Naupactus, is a town and a former municipality in Nafpaktia, Aetolia-Acarnania, West Greece, situated on a bay on the north coast of the Gulf of Corinth, west of the mouth of the river Mornos.
Eretria
thumb|Neighbouring ancient cities thumb|Plan of the site
Agrinio
Agrinio (Greek: Αγρίνιο, ) is the largest city and municipality of the Aetolia-Acarnania regional unit of Greece, as well as the second largest city in Western Greece after Patras. It is the economic center of Aetolia-Acarnania, although its capital is the town of Mesolonghi. The settlement dates back to ancient times. Ancient Agrinion was northeast of the present city; some walls and foundations of which have been excavated. In medieval times and until 1836, the city was known as Vrachori (Βραχώρι). According to the 2021 census, the municipality of Agrinio has a population of 89,691, of whom
Amfissa
thumb|220px|Southern part of Amphissa Amphissa ( ) is a town in Phocis, Greece, part of the municipality of Delphi, of which it is the seat and a municipal unit. The municipal unit has an area of 315.174 km2. It lies on the northern edge of the olive forest of the Crissaean plain, between two mountains, Giona to the west and Parnassus to the east, northwest of Athens and of Delphi, as well as northeast of Naupactus and south of Lamia.
Kalabaka
Kalabaka (, Kalabáka, alternative transliterations are Kalambaka and Kalampaka) is a town and seat of the municipality of Meteora in the Trikala regional unit, part of Thessaly in Greece. The population was 11,492 at the 2021 census, of which 8,573 in the town proper. The Meteora monasteries are located near the town. Kalabaka is the northwestern terminal of the old Thessaly Railways, now part of OSE.
Dodona
Dodona (; , Ionic and , ) in Epirus in northwestern Greece was the oldest Hellenic oracle, possibly dating to the 2nd millennium BCE according to Herodotus. The earliest accounts in Homer describe Dodona as an oracle of Zeus. Situated in a remote region away from the main Greek poleis, it was considered second only to the Oracle of Delphi in prestige.
Aigio
Aigio (, ; ), is a town and a former municipality in Achaea, West Greece, on the Peloponnese. Since the 2011 local government reform, it is part of the municipality Aigialeia, of which it is the seat and a municipal unit.
Calydon
thumb|250px|The Laphrion sanctuary plateau of Calydon with Varasova mountain on the background. thumb|250px|Ancient Theater (building)|theater of Calydon Calydon (; , ) was a Greek city in ancient Aetolia, situated on the west bank of the river Evenus, 7.5 Roman miles (approx. 11 km) from the sea. Its name is most famous today for the Calydonian boar that had to be overcome by heroes of the Olympian age.
Naxos
chief town of Naxos island, Cyclades, Greece
Iolcos
Iolcus (; also rendered Iolkos ; and Ἰαωλκός; ; ) is an ancient city, a modern village and a former municipality in Magnesia, Thessaly, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of Volos, of which it is a municipal unit. It is located in central Magnesia, north of the Pagasitic Gulf. Its land area is 1.981 km2. The municipal unit is divided into three communities, Agios Onoufrios (pop. 433), Anakasia (pop. 888) and Ano Volos (pop. 687), with a total population of 2,008 (2021 census). The seat of the former municipality was the village of Ano Volos.
Helike
Helike (; , pronounced , modern ) was an ancient Greek polis or city-state that was submerged by a tsunami in the winter of 373 BC.
Demetrias
thumb|350px|Map showing ancient Thessaly. Demetrias is shown to the right on the Pagasaean Gulf. Demetrias () was a Greek city in Magnesia in ancient Thessaly (east central Greece), situated at the head of the Pagasaean Gulf, near the modern city of Volos.
Pherae
thumb|350px|Map showing ancient Thessaly. Pherae is shown to the east centre. thumb|right|240px|The Hyperian Fountain at Pherae, with Ottoman mosques, Edward Dodwell. Pherae (Greek: Φεραί) was a city and polis (city-state) in southeastern Ancient Thessaly. One of the oldest Thessalian cities, it was located in the southeast corner of Pelasgiotis. According to Strabo, it was near Lake Boebeïs 90 stadia from Pagasae, its harbor on the Gulf of Pagasae (Geography 9.5). The site is in the modern community of Velestino.
Abae
Abae (, '''') was an ancient town in the northeastern corner of ancient Phocis, in Greece, near the frontiers of the Opuntian Locrians, said to have been built by the Argive Abas, son of Lynceus and Hypermnestra, and grandson of Danaus. This bit of legend suggests an origin or at least an existence in the Bronze Age, and sites protohistory supports a continued existence in Iron-Age antiquity. It was famous for its oracle of Apollo Abaeus, one of those consulted by Croesus, king of Lydia, and Mardonius, among others. The site of the oracle was rediscovered at Kalapodi and excavated in modern ti
Q1235455
town on the island of Euboea, Greece
Lefkandi
thumb|Beach at Lefkandi Lefkandi () is a coastal village on the island of Euboea, Greece. Archaeological finds attest to a settlement on the promontory locally known as Xeropolis, while several associated cemeteries have been identified nearby. The settlement site is located on a promontory overlooking the Euripos Strait, with small bays forming natural harbours east and west of the site. The cemeteries are located on the hillslopes northwest of the settlement; the plots identified so far are known as the East Cemetery, Skoubris, Palia Perivolia, Toumba, in addition to further smaller groups o
Sofades Municipality
Sofades () is a town and municipality in Thessaly, central Greece belonging to the regional unit of Karditsa. Its 2011 census population was 6,056 people and 18,864 for the municipality, including a large Romani community. Its elevation is around 120 m above sea level, and the economy is mainly agricultural (cotton, corn). Sofades is located south of Palamas, southwest of Larissa, the capital of Thessaly, northwest of Lamia and southeast of Karditsa and Trikala. The native Greek inhabitants of the region are commonly known as Karagounides (Καραγκούνηδες).
Dodoni
Dodoni () is a village and a municipality in the Ioannina regional unit, Epirus, Greece. The seat of the municipality is the village Agia Kyriaki (community Theriakisi).
Gla
thumb|Mycenaean Acropolis of Gla.
Orchomenus
ancient Greek city-state of Boeotia
Elateia
Elateia (; ) was an ancient Greek city of Phthiotis, and the most important place in that region after Delphi. It is also a modern-day town that is a former municipality in the southeastern part of Phthiotis. Since the 2011 local government reform, it is a municipal unit of the municipality Amfikleia-Elateia. Its population is 2,804 inhabitants (2021 census) and its land area is 154.361 km2. The municipal seat was the town of Eláteia (pop. 2,002); other communities are Zeli (466), Panagítsa (148), Lefkochóri (99) and Sfáka (89).
Q1227665
Amarynthos (Greek: Αμάρυνθος, , also called Βάθεια Váthia), is a coastal town and a former municipality in Euboea, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Eretria, of which it is a municipal unit. The municipal unit has an area of 109.909 km2. Amarynthos is 8 km east of Eretria, 27 km southeast of Chalcis, 63 km northwest of Karystos and 10 km north of Kalamos, across the gulf. The Greek National Road 44 (Thebes - Chalcis - Karystos) passes through the town.
Trachis
Trachis (, Trakhís) was a region in ancient Greece. Situated south of the river Spercheios, it was populated by the Malians. It was also a polis (city-state).
Pagasae
thumb|350px|Map showing ancient Thessaly. Pagasae is shown to the centre right at the head of its gulf. Pagasae or Pagases (), also Pagasa, was a town and polis (city-state) of Magnesia in ancient Thessaly, currently a suburb of Volos. It is situated at the northern extremity of the bay named after it (Παγασητικὸς κόλπος, or ).
Cleonae
ancient polis between Argos and Corinth
Opus
ancient city in Greece
Phigalia
Phigalia or Phigaleia or Phigalea ( or Φιγαλέα or Φιγάλεια or Φιγαλία), also known as Phialia (Φιαλία or Φιάλεια), was an ancient Greek city in the south-west corner of ancient Arcadia, in the region of ancient Parrhasia close to the frontiers of Messenia, and upon the right bank of the Neda, about halfway between the sources and the mouth of this river. It is also the present name of a nearby modern village, known up to the early 20th century as Pavlitsa (Παύλιτσα). In modern geography it is located in southeastern Elis. It is situated on an elevated rocky site, among some of the highest moun
Q2532058
Davleia (Greek: Δαύλεια) is a village and a former municipality in Boeotia, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Livadeia, of which it is a municipal unit. Its name comes from the ancient settlement Daulis. The municipal unit has an area of 94.985 km2, the community 61.725 km2. The municipality includes the eastern portion of Mount Parnassos. Phthiotis lies to the north. Davleia is located ESE of Lamia, SW of Kamena Vourla, W of Livadeia and Thiva, NE of Itea and E of Delphi.
Gomfoi
Gomfoi (Greek: Γόμφοι, before 1930: Ραψίστα - Rapsista; ) is a village and a former municipality in the Trikala regional unit, Thessaly, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Pyli, of which it is a municipal unit. The municipal unit has an area of 58.482km2. Population 4,097 (2021). The seat of the municipality was in Lygaria. Gomfoi is located in Thessalian Plain, near the river Pamisos. It is 5km northeast of Mouzaki, and 12km southwest of the city of Trikala. A town existed on the site of present Gomfoi in ancient times, which was renamed Philippoupol
list of ancient Greek cities
Wikimedia list article
Pharae
ancient city of Messenia
Hephaistia
thumb|240px|The ancient theater in Hephaistia
Pleuron
ancient city in Aitolia, Greece
Antissa
Antissa () was a city of the island Lesbos (Lesvos), near to Cape Sigrium, the western point of Lesbos. The place had a harbour. The ruins found by Richard Pococke at Calas Limneonas, a little NE. of cape Sigri, may be those of Antissa. This place was the birthplace of Terpander, who is said to be the inventor of the seven-stringed lyre. According to the local historian Myrsilus of Methymna, local tradition held that the head of Orpheus had floated south from the Hebros after he was decapitated and floated south to land on the shore of Antissan territory: the spot was marked by a tomb where, a
Ioulis
Ioulis or Ioulida (; ), locally called Chora or Hora () like the main towns of most Greek islands, and sometimes known by the island name of Kea or Keos (or earlier Zea), is the capital of the island of Kea in the Cyclades. It has a population of 1,225 inhabitants according to the 2021 Greek census.
Phthiotic Thebes
ancient city in Magnesia, Thessaly, Greece
Panopeus
Panopeus (), or Phanoteus (the name is given in a variety of forms in the ancient sources), was a Greek town of ancient Phocis, near the frontier of Boeotia, and on the road from Daulis to Chaeronea. Pausanias said that Panopeus was 20 stadia from Chaeronea and 7 from Daulis; but the latter number is almost certainly a mistake. The ruins at the village of Agios Vlasios (or Aio Vlasi) (), which are clearly those of Panopeus, are about 20 stadia distant from Chaeronea, but as much as 27 stadia distant from Daulis.
Ancient Thera
ancient city and archaeological site on Thera, Greece
Thermos
ancient Greek sanctuary, the capital of the Aetolian League
Anaktorio municipality
Anaktorio (Greek: Ανακτόριο) is a former municipality in Aetolia-Acarnania, West Greece, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Aktio-Vonitsa, of which it is a municipal unit. The municipal unit has an area of 214.112 km2. The municipal unit is mainly flat and has a total population of 7,534 residents according to the 2021 census, more than half of which are found in the town of Vonitsa.The municipality was named after the ancient city of Anactorium.
Meliboea
ancient city and archaeological site in Greece
Hyampolis
Hyampolis (Ὑάμπολις Iabolis) was a city in ancient Phocis, Greece. A native of this city was called a Hyampolites. Some ancient authors record that the city was also called simply Hya.
Kyrtoni
Kyrtoni (, before 1987: Κολάκα - Kolaka) is a village in the southeastern part of Phthiotis, Greece. It is part of the municipality of Lokroi since 2010. It was an independent commune between the 1820s and 1907, and was part the municipality of Atalanti between 1907 and 2010. In 2021 its population was 348. It is situated at 480 m elevation on the southern slope of the Chlomo mountain. It is 8 km southeast of Atalanti and 12 km northeast of Orchomenos. Its main industry is agriculture. The village takes its name from the ancient town Cyrtone.
Karthaia
Carthaea or Karthaia () was one of the four ancient Greek city-states on the island of Ceos (today Kea or Tzia) in the Cyclades. It was located on the southeastern coast of the island. thumb|
Berroea
Beroea (, also transcribed as Berea) was an ancient city of the Hellenistic period and Roman Empire now known as Veria (or Veroia) in Macedonia, Northern Greece. It is a small city on the eastern side of the Vermio Mountains north of Mount Olympus. The town is mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles as a place in which the apostles Paul, Silas and Timothy preached the Christian Gospel.
Alos
ancient city in Greece
Lilaea
ancient city of Phocis, Greece
Gonnus
thumb|350px|Map showing ancient Thessaly. Gonnus is shown in the upper centre along the Tempe. Gonnus or Gonnos () or Gonni (Γόννοι) was a town and polis (city-state) of the Perrhaebi in ancient Thessaly, which derived its name, according to the later Greek critics, from Gonneus, mentioned in the Iliad. Its position made it one of the most important places in the north of Thessaly. It stood on the northern side of the Peneius, near the entrance of the only two passes by which an enemy can penetrate into Thessaly from the north. The celebrated vale of Tempe begins to narrow at Gonnus; and the p
Yrtakina
Hyrtacina or Hyrtakina (), also written as Hyrsacina or Hyrsakina (Ὑρσακίνα), or Artacina or Artakina (Ἀρτάκινα), was a city of ancient Crete, which, little as we learn of its position from Ptolemy and Stephanus of Byzantium, yet we may safely infer from the former's words that it was situated to the southeast of Polyrrhenia, and to the west of Lappa. The Periplus of Pseudo-Scylax teaches us more respecting its site; it places it on the south of the island, and to the south of the Dictynnean temple of Artemis and the Pergamian district. These indications agree well with the situation of the ru
Pydna
ancient city and site in Pieria, Greece
Tricca
thumb|350px|Map showing ancient Thessaly. Tricca is shown to the centre left. Tricca or Trikka ( or Τρίκκα) was a city and polis (city-state) of ancient Thessaly in the district Histiaeotis, standing upon the left bank of the Peneius, and near a small stream called Lethaeus. This city is said to have derived its name from Tricca, a daughter of Peneius. The modern city of Trikala extends over the ancient site.
Amphilochian Argos
town of ancient Amphilochia
Amphicleia
Amphicleia or Amphikleia () or Amphicaea or Amphikaia (Ἀμφίκαια) was a Greek town in the north of ancient Phocis, distant 60 stadia from Lilaea, and 15 stadia from Tithronium. It was destroyed by the Persian army of Xerxes in his invasion of Greece (480 BCE). Although Herodotus calls it Amphicaea, following the most ancient traditions, the Amphictyonic League gave it the name of Amphicleia in their decree respecting rebuilding the town (346 BCE). It also bore for some time the name of Ophiteia (Ὀφιτεία), in consequence of a legend, which Pausanias relates. The place was celebrated in
Cranon
thumb|300px|The site of Palealarisa, ancient Krannon. Cranon () or Crannon (Κραννών) was a town and polis (city-state) of Pelasgiotis, in ancient Thessaly, situated southwest of Larissa, and at the distance of 100 stadia from Gyrton, according to Strabo. Spelling differs among the sources: Κράννων and ῂ Κράννωνοϛ; Κραννών, Κράννουν, and Κράννουϛ. To the west it bounded with the territory of Atrax and to the east with that of Scotussa. To the south the ridges of the Revenia separated it from the valley of the river Enipeus.