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Modern Description: Sterna lies 27km. west of Vonitsa and ca. 4km. west of ancient Palairos. The ancient fortified acropolis occupies the top of a high hill (508m. altitude), a site which provides visual control to all directions around it. The small town has not been identified, but was most likely controlled by Palairos. The fortification at Sterna occupies the top of a hill, is oval in shape and has a perimeter of ca. 550m. An inner wall divides the enclosure in two parts. Eleven towers and at least one gate, at the northwest, were incorporated in the fortification, which dates to the 5th cent. B.C. Within the fortification one meets a number of water reservoirs, house remains and many bases for stelai-inscriptions, as well as niches carved in the bedrock where offerings were put. These features indicate the use of the site as a sanctuary.
Another fortified acropolis, supplementary to that of Sterna lies on top of the hill called Ixos, ca. 2.5km. from Sterna. This must have served as an observation post or small fort protecting a nearby settlement. The fortification can be dated to the late 4th- early 3rd cent. B.C.
DARE: 31653

Info: Patras University

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

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