Archaeology
MagalopolisPlace descriptionDivided by the River Helisson and encircled by a 9km long wall, Megalopolis was built as the capital of the Arkadian federal state around 370BC. It formed as a part of cities aiming at controlling the power of Sparta, which was militarily collapsed in 371BC. The vast region of Megalopolis might have contained as many as 40 independent communities. According to Pausanias, the city had the largest theatre in Greece. Its seats were inscribed with the names of citizens-tribes. Lacking a stage, the theatre faced the Thersilion, which was a rectangular hall of the Arkadian assembly called the Ten Thousand. The hall was supported by columns but it was ruined in the 2nd century AD. The Stoa Philippeios stood in the centre of the city’s agora. It was named by the citizens in honour of Philip II. The city joined the Achaian League in 235BC but was conquered by Kleomenes III of Sparta two years later. Nevertheless, it continued to play a significant role in the federal business. In particular, Philopoimen of Megalopolis was an Archaean statesman and general. However, the political status of the city ceased during the Roman period. Although building activities still continued, the importance of Megalopolis had already declined. |