Hystory of Ilida

The city of Ilis was settled in 471 B.C. Before this time in the area was a simple rural settlement. The citizens of Ilis, the Eleans, considered their town to be holy thus they kept it without fortifications. Usual phenomenon was the conflicts between the Eleans and the Spartans and between the Eleans and the Arcadians in the 4th century B.C. In Ilis the athletes of the Olympics were gathered a month before the starting date for preparation and preliminary games. They were accompanied by friends and family and the town was full of tourists and activities. The city reached its peak during Roman years when monumental public buildings and athletic structures were constructed.