Elianopolis: Ancient Arcadian City in Greece

Elianopolis (Ἠλιανόπολις) was the Hellenistic/Roman-era name of an ancient city in Arcadia, in the central Peloponnese.

Location & Setting

• Region: Ancient Arcadia (modern Arkadia regional unit)
• Site: Low hill overlooking the Gortynian Plain
• Coordinates (approx.): 37.6° N, 22.1° E (near modern Vytina or Stemnitsa)

Historical Notes

• Name origin: Likely founded/renamed by Elianus (Roman official) or in honor of the gens Aelia (Hadrian's family).
• Period: Flourished 2nd–3rd century CE; mentioned in Synecdemus (Hierocles, 6th c.) as a bishopric.
• Decline: Abandoned post-7th century (Slavic invasions, plague, earthquake).
• Archaeology: Limited excavation; scattered architectural fragments (columns, inscriptions) reused in nearby churches.

Modern Context

No modern town bears the name Elianopolis. The area is part of the mountainous Mainalo region, known for traditional stone villages, fir forests, and the Mainalo Ski Center. The Gortynian Plain remains agricultural.

For visitors: Base in Vytina (30 km NW of Tripoli) to explore Arcadian antiquities including Gortys, Mantineia, and Tegea.