Lepreon, Archaeological site in Mount Minthi, Greece

Lepreon is an archaeological site on the western slopes of Mount Minthi with remains of an ancient fortified settlement featuring sturdy walls and towers. The location contains temple foundations, residential structures, and defensive works spread across multiple periods of habitation.

Lepreon was founded by the Minyans, who expelled the earlier Caucones and made it one of six cities they established in Triphylia. After the First Messenian War it fell under Eleian rule, and in 421 BC it led a revolt against Elis with Spartan help, gaining independence in 400 BC. It was abandoned between 800 and 1000 AD after raids by pirates and barbarians.

The site served as a religious center where residents honored Demeter through a Doric temple dedicated to the goddess. Visitors can see how the community arranged their sacred spaces within the fortified settlement.

The site sits on uneven hillside terrain that requires sturdy footwear to navigate safely through the scattered structures. Morning or late afternoon visits are most comfortable since the sloping ground and exposed ruins offer little shade from the sun.

Lepreon was the only Triphylian town to send troops to the Battle of Plataea, and its name was inscribed on the statue of Zeus at Olympia and on the tripod at Delphi. At one Olympic festival, Spartan forces attacked the fortress at Phyrcus during the truce and were fined 200,000 drachmas, when a skilled worker earned about one drachma a day.