Oropioi

Oropioi (Ὀροπιοί) was an ancient coastal town in the region of Locris, specifically Opuntian Locris, in ancient Greece. It was located on the Euripus Strait, facing Euboea. Its strategic location made it a frequently contested territory between Locris and Euboea, and later between Athens and Boeotia. The town possessed some agricultural land and a harbor, which contributed to its importance.

Oropioi was believed to be a colony of Eretria, a city on Euboea, which likely explains its early ties and contentions with the island. Throughout the Classical period, control of Oropioi shifted multiple times due to various conflicts and alliances. Athenian control was particularly significant, as it provided them with a strategic foothold in the region, allowing them to monitor movements along the Euripus Strait and influence events in Boeotia.

Notable historical events connected to Oropioi include its involvement in the Peloponnesian War. Athenian control of the town was often challenged by Boeotian forces. The area saw continued strife during the Hellenistic period as well.

Information about Oropioi is primarily derived from ancient texts, including the works of Thucydides, Strabo, and Pausanias, as well as inscriptions and archaeological evidence found in the region. While limited archaeological excavations have taken place, the site offers potential for further discoveries that could illuminate the town's history and its role in the broader context of ancient Greece.