In a devastating earthquake in AD 375, the river disappeared underground, forming the natural hole at the northeast end of the plain.

In the flat outskirts of the village, near the modern public school and cemetery, are three areas where artifacts from Byzantine and Roman times have been found.

It appears that the inhabitants of Laconia in the early Bronze Age were a Pre-Hellenic people called Leleges, who made a living by hunting and farming.

In 3000 BC the Acheans, a Hellenic race, came from the north and settled in Laconia establishing strong commercial centers close to the shoreline.

The Romans who dominated the area in 27 AD, granted this federation many privileges and freedoms and the region of Epidavros Limira flourished greatly and experienced its own "golden age".

In 375 AD, severe earthquakes shook the Laconic lands and completely destroyed major centers like Asopos and Epidavros Limira.

Barbarian invasions greatly decreased the population and by the 8th century, Slaves settle the highlands of Laconia bringing further conflict and insecurity to the region.

Due to these barbarian invasions from the north, many villages in the surrounding areas were deserted by their inhabitants who sought refuge and better defense on higher grounds.

With the re-establishment of the Byzantine Empire, in 1259, the region experienced new growth and prosperity and the sparsely populated villages established themselves under the protection of Monemvasia until 1347, and later under the mighty Domain of Mystra until 1460.

In the years of Ottoman rule, the Turks were drawn to settle in Katavothra due to its abundant cultivated land and its very productive vineyards.

Ibrahim Pasha was sent to quell the uprisings in the Peloponnesus in 1825, and with Tripolis as his headquarters, he went on severe campaigns to destroy all the villages of Laconia, including Katavothra.

On one side is the village is a valley with a variety of vegetation, and on the other mountains, which have been declared a protected area and are sources of wealth and in places are suitable for walking and meditation.

[citation needed] Another point of interest is a natural sink, 1,300 meters southeast of the village, with the surrounding meadow and wetland in Vothana.

[citation needed] Another natural attraction is the Tsakonas stream to the west of the village, located in a quiet canyon.

Of particular interest is the cave "Trypa tou Voria" (English: Hole of the North) which was discovered by the Italian Speleological Group "SPARVIERE" in the late 1990s.