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Modern Description: Ancient Trichonio lies 25km. southwest of the Apollo sanctuary at Thermo, on the southern coast of lake Trichonis. It was one of the most important cities of central Aitolia, having played an active role within the Aitolean League. Parts of the city's cemetery have come to light, on either side of the road to Thermo. The graves cover the time span between the Protogeometric (1050-900 B.C.) and the Hellenistic period.
The ruins of the ancient city have been located on the northern slope called 'Palaiokastro', where parts of the fortification can be seen. The fragmentary preservation of the wall does not allow for a secure identification of the exact form of the enclosure, nor for its date. Ancient building remains have also been located on the same slope; parts of modern paths around Gavalou and a fountain can also be regarded as successors of their ancient equivalents.
The sanctuary of Asklepius came to light after rescue excavations in 1992, outside the fortification of ancient Trichonio. The building is rectangular(measuring 9.5 x 7.5m.), divided in two rooms. Low benches (perhaps beds) had been built along the walls of room 1, while in room 2 a small altar was built at a later phase. Among the artefacts collected the most numerous are clay replicas of human members and many votive and liberating inscriptions of the 2nd cent. B.C. The building's shape is rather unusual and its use remains unidentified. No sign of Asklepius' statue or its base has been traced, a fact indicating that this was probably not the main temple. Perhaps the building was used as an 'abaton' were patients spent the night as part of their healing process.
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trichonium
Wikidata ID: Q59735737
Trismegistos Geo: 2469

Info: Patras University

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

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