(Iolkos)
It is mentioned in the Iliad and the Odyssey. Mythical homeland of Pelias, Aeson and Jason and base of the heroes who participated in the Argonautic expedition. Its first kings were Minyas from Boeotia and later from Phthia with Peleus first. In the 4th century BC it was a polychine without particular importance and in the 3rd c. BC settled in neighboring Dimitriada. The core of the ancient city, which was never coastal, is located in the location of Palia Volos, Dimini and Pefkakia. The findings, mainly ceramics, from Palia bear witness to the flourishing of a settlement in the area in the Proto-Geometric and Geometric times (10th - 8th centuries BC). According to others, ancient Iolkos was located at the Castle of Volos (hill of Agios Theodoros). Remains of the early Christian wall of Iolkos are visible below the Middle Byzantine one. Architectural members and capitals from early Christian basilicas have been found in the Castle. West of the Castle, an early Christian and Byzantine cemetery. At the site Old remains of an early Christian basilica.
In Kapakli, a large vaulted tomb from the Mycenaean era (15th century BC).
Editor: Fotini Anastasopoulou