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In the 3rd and 2nd century BC, Orchomenos and the other large cities of Boeotia (Thebes, Plataia, Thespiai
and Tanagra) reformed the Boeotian League. Orchomenos was destroyed by the Roman
general Sulla in 86 BC, during the Mithridatic Wars.
Of the prehistoric
settlements, the following structures are known:
- 1) circular and
apsidal buildings of the 3rd millennium BC (in the area of the tholos tomb),
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2) burials with lavish grave offerings in pit graves dating from
about 1600 BC ( to the north-west of the theatre),
- 3) complexes of
rooms in three balanced wings, dating to about 1300 BC and identified with a
palace building (in the grounds of the Byzantine church of the Panagia Skripou)
and 4) the impressive tholos tomb of Minyas, dated to about 1250
BC.
The tholos tomb, which was excavated by H. Schliemann in 1880-81, rose above
ground level. It had a long dromos whish is no longer preserved, a deep doorway
with a lintel weighing many tons, a circular burial chamber 14m. in diameter and
a small side room, the ceiling of which is formed of stone slabs decorated with
relief spirals, rosettes and papyrus flowers. The tomb was robbed in ancient
times. Inside the tholos were found a statue base and a base for an altar,
dating from the 3rd century BC.
Excavations to the west of the Tholos
tomb have brought to light the city theatre, which dates from the 4th
century BC. According to the evidence of inscriptions and dedications,
the theatre will have been the venue of the Charitisia, the musical
contests held in honor of the Graces (Charites). Mention should also be
made of the temples of Dionysos and Asklepios, which date from
historical times. The uppermost parts of the hill were fortified in the
4th century BC, when a large tower was built on the highest peak of the
hill and later incorporated into the fortification wall.
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