The modern village of Lilaia near Polidrossos is built on the ancient city by the same name, inhabited from the early Helladic period (2800-2100 BC). The fortification walls at the citadel summit indicate traces of a constructional phase before the city was destroyed by Phillip II. Another part of the fortress dates back to the rebuilding phase after the reign of Phillip II. In 200 BC the city was under siege by King Phillip V but it revolted and gained its liberty. The city was also mentioned often in the accounts of Strabo, Ptolemy, Pliny and Pausanias, who noted an agora, theatre, baths, sanctuary to Apollo and one to Artemis. Both temples featured marble statues of the gods in standing posture, made by Athenian sculptors. Lilaia was constantly inhabited until the Byzantine era but soon thereafter fell into decay and was abandoned. Today, walls from antiquity and remains of a castle that are still visible.
Lilaia 330 57, Greece
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