The mythical founder of the city was Orchomenos, son of the king Lycaon of Arcadia. In Linear B script, the name Orchomenos appears in the type E-ko-me-no = Coming. In Homer's "catalogue of the ships", the "rich in flocks" Orchomenos is counted among the cities that took part in the Trojan War under the king of Tegea Agapenor.During the First and Second Messenian Wars (8-7th century BC) Orchomenos is the seat of the kings of Arcadia. In the Persian Wars, Orchomenos participates with 120 soldiers in the battle of Thermopylae and with 600 in Plataea. During the Peloponnesian War, (circa 418 BC), the polis is besieged by the Athenians and their allies.In the second half of the 4th and early 3rd century. BC a large building program takes place. It includes the construction of new fortifications, and of the monuments in the Agora, the temple of Artemis Mesopolitis and the theater. During the 3rd century B.C. Orchomenus, due to its significant military strength and key geographical position, plays an important role in the political and military conflicts of this turbulent period. It is a long period of antagonism between the Achaean League, Sparta and the Kingdom of Macedonia.



Acropolis of Orchomenos

1: North Stoa

2: East Stoa (Bouleuterion)

3: Altar of Artemis Mesopolitis

4: Temple of Artemis Mesopolitis

5: Ancient Theatre