Ancient Olynthos

The area has been continuously inhabited since the Neolithic Age. According to legend, the city was built by the brother of Olynthos, son of the legendary king of Thrace, Struma. The Olynthos was killed by a lion and his brother built the city to honor the name of his brother. However, linguists insist that Olynthus is the name of the wild fig tree, which is found in abundance in the area, and the city was named after it.

Around 650 BC refugees from Pieria, chased by the Macedonian army, settled in the area. The Persian army destroyed the city in 479 BC .. and offered their region allies from Evia (Chalkida). Later, Olynthos became a member of the Athenian League and then the Community of Chalkida (Evia). From this alliance the city acquired great benefits (mainly economic). Thus, it became the capital of Eyviakis colony in Halkidiki and was able to support a huge army (about 20,000 soldiers). During the Peloponnesian War, the region grew more had its own monetary unit and provides protection for all the refugees in Greece Evia.

When the Macedonian state weakened, the army of Olynthos and conquered lands passed to the ancient city of Pella (389 BC). In 382 BC, after a long siege of three years, the Spartans conquered the city and destroyed the Eyvoiaki Community. Nonetheless, the city quickly recovered and became rich and powerful again.

In 348 BC the Macedonian army led by Philip II, conquered and destroyed. The city had never inhabited again and its destruction is remembered as one of the darkest moments of the entire ancient world.