Araeotis

Araeotis was an ancient city located in Arcadia, Greece. Its exact location is debated among scholars, but it is generally placed in the northern part of the region, near the borders of Achaea. Araeotis is primarily known from mentions in ancient literature, particularly in the writings of Pausanias, who traveled extensively through Greece in the 2nd century CE.

Pausanias describes Araeotis as being in a state of decline by his time, with little remaining of its former importance. He notes the presence of temples dedicated to deities such as Asclepius, highlighting the city's religious significance, even in its diminished state.

The history of Araeotis prior to Pausanias's account is fragmented. It likely participated in the general historical trends and political events of Arcadia, a region characterized by independent city-states and frequent conflicts. Archaeological evidence to definitively identify and understand Araeotis is scarce, leading to ongoing scholarly discussion about its precise boundaries and socio-political role within the Arcadian landscape. The name "Araeotis" itself might be linked to a local hero or deity, though concrete evidence for this remains limited. The relative obscurity of Araeotis compared to other Arcadian cities has meant it receives less attention in both ancient sources and modern research.