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Modern Description: Ancient Oiniadai, which occupies a low hill called “Trikardos”, ca. 20 km. west of Aitoliko, flourished during the classical and Hellenistic period. It occupies a strategic location on the mouth of Acheloos river, which meant that it was disputed by many adversaries during its history (mainly during the late 4th - 2nd cent. B.C.).Parts of the city grid can still be seen in good condition, the remains of the agora, the theatre, the fortification with a perimeter of 5.5 km. and tombs of the extra mural city cemeteries. Another, unique monument is the ship sheds complex, west of the ancient port.
The theatre of Oiniadai was first excavated by B. Powell in the early 20th century, but the excavation was only completed in the 1990s by L. Kolonas. The koilon was made up of 27 rows of seats, divided in 11 parts by 10 staircases. Its eastern part was cerved in the bedrock, whilw the western was built in local gray limestone. The orchestra is 16,22m. in diameter, with a covered duct around it, built to collect rainwater. Three phases have been recognized, based on the reconstructions of the scene: the frst dates to the middle of the 4th cent. B.C., the second to the first half of the 3rd cent. B.C. and the third to the Roman period.
The agora of the ancient city was organized in a naturally formed plateau (measuring 230x120m.), southeast of the ancient theatre. Systematic excavation by the University of Athens has brought to light the following builings: The bouleuterion, the stoa, two semi-circular dedicatory monuments and a circular heroon, a small temple, an orthogonal monument and a small public building.
The baths at Oiniadai, at the northern end of the city's harbour, were partly excavated by B. Powell in 1900-01. Seven rooms (A, B, C, D, E, F, G) can still be seen today. D and E are circular, paved with slabs on which small 'bath tubs' have been carved. The most probable date for the baths is the 1st cent. B.C., but they show considerable hallenistic influence.
The very well preserved fortification of Oiniadai follows the terrain morphology, for ca. 6.5km. Its separately fortified acropolis, at the eastern part of the peribolos, incorporates five towers and communicates with the city via a gate. The original plan of the fortification included twelve gates, but no towers, which were added at a later stage. The harbour was separately fortified, with the so-called 'Kokkinipyrgos' (red tower) and the nearby gate ('Avloporta') being the most characteristic features of this enclosure.
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oeniadae
Wikidata ID: Q2016870
Trismegistos Geo: 37640

Info: Patras University

(Monuments of Aitoloakarnania and Achaia, 2003, University of Patras)

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