Pleuron (Aetolia)

"[5] Old Pleuron (ἡ παλαιὰ Πλευρών)[1] was situated in the plain between the Achelous and the Evenus, west of Calydon, at the foot of Mount Curium, from which the Curetes are said to have derived their name.

Pleuron and Calydon were the two chief towns of Aetolia in the heroic age, and are said by Strabo to have been the ancient ornament (πρόσχημα) of Greece.

The Curetes, whose attack upon Calydon is mentioned in an episode of the Iliad,[7] appear to have been the inhabitants of Pleuron.

[10] Since Pleuron appears as an Aetolian city in the later period of the heroic age, it is represented in some traditions as such from the beginning.

It was abandoned by its inhabitants, says Strabo, in consequence of the ravages of Demetrius Aetolicus, king of Macedon, who reigned 239-229 BCE.

It is uncertain whether New Pleuron (ἡ νεωτέρα Πλευρών) was founded only after the destruction of the old city by Demetrius Aetolicus, or whether it was pro-actively created as a defensible fortress prior to an anticipated attack.

[13] The founder of the new city, situated at the foot of Mount Aracynthus, was probably Pantaleon of Pleuron, strategos of the Aetolian League in 242/41, 235/34, 228/27, 222/21 and 214/13 BCE.

After the Achaean defeat and the destruction of Corinth in 146 BCE, Pleuron became part of the Roman Republic.

The city occupies a terrace at over 200m altitude, and is linked to the sea by a defence wall that also encircles the ancient port of Elaius.

Other areas recognisable in the city include the site of the agora, with a 62 metres (203 ft) long stoa, and the gymnasium.