Archaeology The area has many Bronze Age sites, including those of the "island" (Nisi) of Paralio Astros, the Heronissi of Aghios Andreas, Meligou and Upper Meligou, Xerocambi (the stony plain on the road to Aghios Petros), and the shoreline at Leonidio. The first Greeks - Pelasgians and Arcadians - arrived in the area from the Eastern Aegean in the First-Hellenic period (2800 BC). Sites from this period include Heronissi, Elliniko and Kastraki Meligous.The Ionians arrived here in the Middle-Hellenic period (2000 BC). Among them were the Kynourians, whose name at a very early date became permanently associated with the entire Parnonas area. Ancient Kynouria consisted of North Kynouria (Thirea) and South Kynouria (Prasies). Thirea, in turn, comprised four cities: Thirea itself (modern Elliniko), Anthini (Aghios Andreas), Eva (near Kato Doliana) and Niris. The main city of Prasies was in Plaka Leonidio.       EVA In the 2nd century AD the site of Eva, the biggest of the ancient Thirean cities, was re-developed by Herodus Attikus, a wealthy patron of the arts, as a magnificent summer residence which was, in effect, an art gallery of contemporary and earlier sculptures.The same man built a theatre below the Acropolis, now known as the Herodeio. The villa at Eva is one of the richest archaeological sites in the whole of Europe. This is due not only to the collection of sculptures and to the architecture at the site, but, above all, to the unique frescoed floors. The archaeological finds from the site range in date from the 4th century BC to the 2nd century AD; they can be seen in the Archaeological Museums in Astros and Tripolis and also in Athens. The Archaeological Museum in Astros is situated in a neo-classical building which formerly housed the school of Karitsioti. It includes important marble finds from the villa at Eva, and from the cities of ancient Thirea and Anthini. There are also collections from sites across the whole area of Kynouria: coins, ceramics, other small finds, and inscriptions from classical and neo-Hellenic times.

ASTROS MUSEUM

The Archaeological Museum in Astros occupies a neo-classical building which formerly housed the school of Karitsioti. It includes important marble finds from the villa at Eva, and from the cities of ancient Thirea and Anthini. There are also collections from sites across the whole area of Kynouria: coins, ceramics, other small finds, and inscriptions from classical and neo-Hellenic times.