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The region of the Municipality of Kalavryta has a rich history dating back to antiquity. During this period, most of the Kallikratis Municipality of Kalavryta, previously the Province of Kalavryta, belonged to Northern Arcadia, specifically an area known as Azania. This name derives from Azan, son of Arcas, a descendant of Pelasgus, the first king of Arcadia. Arcadia, originally called Pelasgia, was named after him.
Small parts of ancient Azania also extended into the regions of Corinthia and Arcadia. However, the northernmost part of today’s Province of Kalavryta was part of ancient Achaea.
The area held strategic importance due to its central location in the northern Peloponnese. Numerous passageways led in all directions, connecting Achaea, Corinthia, Argolis, and Elis, as well as southern Arcadia via Laconia and Messenia, making this region particularly significant.
The mountainous mass of Mount Helmos plays a key role in the geography of the region. Due to its location and natural passes, the area inspired the creation of significant ancient cities and settlements. Today, most of Mount Helmos lies in Achaea, with a small portion in Corinthia.
A. Prehistoric Times
Paleolithic and Mesolithic Eras (before 7000 BC):
There is little concrete evidence from these periods due to the nomadic lifestyle of humans in search of food. However, evidence of human presence during these eras has been found in areas surrounding the Province of Kalavryta. Paleolithic humans used caves for temporary shelter and protection.
Neolithic Era (7000–3000 BC):
The most important archaeological site from this era is the Cave of the Lakes in Kastria, where evidence of habitation has been discovered.
Bronze Age (3000–1100 BC):
During this time, archaeological sites increased, with bronze replacing earlier materials for tools and weapons. Early in the Bronze Age, mountainous areas continued to provide safe habitation, with sites like Kastria remaining occupied.
Middle Bronze Age (1900–1570 BC):
New settlements, such as Bouris in Kandala, emerged. The presence of organized cemeteries suggests possible political instability and migrations.
Mycenaean Period (1570–1100 BC):
Despite continuous habitation of earlier sites, no major architectural remains have been found yet. Cemeteries in areas like Vrysari, Bondia, and Manesi are among the most notable finds, indicating a lack of a large organized center and instead the presence of smaller settlements.
B. Historic Times
After the Mycenaean Period, the Geometric Period (ending around 700 BC) began, named for the geometric patterns used in pottery and other objects. During this time, the region was fully inhabited, and the first Greek sanctuaries appeared, such as the Sanctuary of Artemis Hemera in Lousoi, Kalavryta. Additionally, a cemetery at Kiupeia, Kalavryta, revealed geometric artifacts, including a warrior’s weapons.
Strong cities began to emerge, setting the foundation for their development in classical and Hellenistic times. Cities such as Psophida, Paos, Lousoi, Kleitor, Kynaitha, Nonakris, and Feneos (now in Corinthia) are noted. In the northernmost part of the Province of Kalavryta, once part of ancient Achaea, the Achaean settlement of Leontio has been identified with a small fortified ancient city in Kato Vlasia.
During the Classical, Hellenistic, and Roman periods (5th century BC–4th century AD), the best-preserved ancient monuments, such as the aforementioned cities and other archaeological sites, date from these times. However, some of these locations remain unidentified, or their identification is uncertain, as highlighted in a lecture by Dr. Michalis Petropoulos.
