It was founded in the 8th century BC by Eretrian settlers. Famous for the oracle of Ammon Zeus (5th century BC to Roman times). Building remains of the sanctuary with a Doric temple (second half of the 4th century BC) were discovered on the beach of the village of Kallithea (or Maltepe). Two buildings for the gatherings of the faithful were also found. A second sanctuary of Dionysus and the Nymphs, SW. of the former, is more ancient. A staircase carved into the rock and a cave with stalactites, still unexplored, were found. Apollo Canastreos was also worshiped here. The complex of sanctuaries was probably destroyed during the reign of Theodosius II (4th century AD) and then an early Christian basilica was built in their place.
Editor: Fotini Anastasopoulou