It was mentioned in the Iliad by Homer as Oetylus (Ancient Greek: Οίτυλος), as part of Menelaus' kingdom.

In the Middle Ages, it grew to become the most important town in Messenian Mani.

The only town in Mani that rivaled Oitylos in numbers of pirates was Skoutari.

Now Areopoli has taken Oitylo's place as the most important town in Laconian Mani.

Areopoli was also the seat of the municipality of Oitylo, which is located on the western half of the Mani Peninsula in the extreme southwestern part of Laconia.