Ancient Rypes
was one of the principal cities of ancient Achaea and is believed to have been located near the present-day village of Trapeza, close to Aigio. Although the city gradually disappeared in antiquity, it remains an important archaeological site associated with the history of the region. According to ancient sources, Rypes was the metropolis (mother city) of the Greek colony of Croton (Kroton) in Magna Graecia (Southern Italy), highlighting its significance during the period of Greek colonization. Recent archaeological excavations have brought to light remarkable discoveries, including over life-sized statues and the remains of an important Archaic Doric temple, shedding new light on the city’s religious and civic importance. Within the territory of ancient Rypike, additional archaeological sites have been uncovered, including an Archaic Doric sanctuary at Graikas, situated at an altitude of approximately 1,150 metres on Mount Panachaikon, as well as significant finds at Kamares and Erineos, where the remains of a large Roman villaand ancient burial sites have been discovered. These findings continue to enhance our understanding of the historical and cultural landscape of ancient Aigialeia.
