A walk at the ancient theater of Orchomenos in the county of Arcadia
Orchomenos accounts as one of the most ancient cities in the region, while there is plenty of evidence that it has been inhabited since the prehistoric times. The city was densely populated at that time and was an extremely rich one, as it had the opportunity to issue its own money in coins. Eastern Arcadia had three powerful cities altogether: Tegea, Mantineia and Orchomenos and it was the last two that constantly antagonized each other for further wealth. During the archaic period, meaning around the 6th and 7th century BC, the city of Orchomenos was experiencing its most prosperous era while - on the contrary - during the days of the Roman Empire it was completely abandoned and its inhabitants settled at other areas nearby.
The main part of the town occupies a strikingly impressive, as well as, strategic position is up on the hill overlooking the plains of Levidi village. Excavations begun in 1913 and have brought large parts of the city into the light that we can visit nowadays.
Extensive excavations have uncovered significant findings, such as a prehistoric tomb, the ancient market, large parts of the city walls, the temple of Artemis Mesopolitidas and -most importantly- the city’s ancient theater. It is clearly one of the largest theaters of antiquity with a capacity of 4.000 spectators. Built at an altitude of 800 meters above sea level, it used to host theatrical performances and sports games in honor of god Dionysos and all of this in the company of beautiful views.
The whole area is blessed with a rich nature and provides visitors with an ideal setting for an invigorating walk among the ruins. In visiting the area, make the effort to visit the ancient theater and feel the aura of antiquity transverse your body and mind.
