Districts
As described by Strabo, Elis was divided into three districts:
- Coele (Κοίλη Koilē "hollow") or Lowland Elis,
- Pisatis (Πισᾶτις Pīsātis), or the territory of Pisa, and
- Triphylia (Τριφυλία Triphūlia "the country of the three tribes").
Coele Elis, the largest and most northern of the three, was watered by the river Peneus and its tributary the Ladon. The district was famous during antiquity for its cattle and horses. Pisatis extended south from Coele Elis to the right bank of the river Alpheus, and was divided into eight departments named after as many towns. Triphylia stretches south from the Alpheus to the river Neda.
Nowadays Elis is a small village of 150 citizens, located 14 km NE of Amaliada, built over the ruins of the ancient town. It has a museum that contains treasures, discovered in various excavations. It also has one of the most well-preserved ancient theaters in Greece. Built in the 4th century BC, the theater had a capacity of 8,000 people; below it Protoelladic and sub-Mycenaean graves have been found. Elis is well known for breeding horses and its hosting of the Olympic games.
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