People, Ideas and Objects in Prehistoric Elis

People and connections

Archaeological evidence reveals prehistoric Elis as a lively, creative and productive part of a continually evolving culture. Benefiting from a favourable climate, fertile land and a strategic location, its inhabitants developed a flourishing culture.

Imported objects document the commercial, economic and artistic exchanges of Elis with neighbouring regions, including the northwestern Peloponnese, Arcadia, the Ionian Islands, the Argolid and Messenia, and with more distant parts of the Aegean, such as Crete and Cyprus.

Ancient myths concerning Aethlios, the Idaean Herakles and the earliest priests of Olympia, Aitolos and Pelops, among others, connect Elis with Thessaly, Aetolia, Crete and Asia Minor.

Trade and materials

The natural harbours of Kyllini and Pheia (the ancient name of Agios Andreas near Katakolo), on the northwestern coast of Elis, were important gateways for goods and trading stations. Among the materials imported was obsidian from Melos, from the Mesolithic period onwards.

Primarily through maritime trade, the inhabitants of Elis acquired copper alloys and tin. Gold, silver, lead and semi-precious stones, including carnelian and rock crystal, also circulated in exchange networks.

Imported pottery, obsidian, metal objects and jewellery indicate small-scale exchanges between Elis, the Aegean and Crete. What Elis supplied in return is unknown, although food, timber, hides and locally made pottery are possible candidates.

Networks and cultural identity

During the Mycenaean period, exchanges of goods and ideas extended further across the Aegean, to Cyprus, northern Europe and the Near East.

The archaeological remains reveal Achaean influence north of the Alpheios and Messenian influence to its south.

The strategic position of Elis facilitated the circulation of goods and ideas, contributing to a “Western Koine”, a distinctive artistic and cultural language with shared characteristics.

Objects from the collection