Sellasia

Sellasia
Σελλασία
Sellasia

Coordinates: 37°10′N 22°25′E / 37.167°N 22.417°ECoordinates: 37°10′N 22°25′E / 37.167°N 22.417°E
Country Greece
Administrative region Peloponnese
Regional unit Laconia
Municipality Sparti
Municipal unit Oinountas
Time zone EET (UTC+2)
  Summer (DST) EEST (UTC+3)
Vehicle registration ΑΚ

Sellasia (Greek: Σελλασία, before 1929: Βρουλιά - Vroulia[1]) is a village in Laconia, Greece. It was the seat of the former municipality Oinountas. Since 2011, it is part of the municipality of Sparta. Sellasia is situated on the edge of the Eurotas valley, 10 km north of Sparta. The Greek National Road 39 (Sparta - Tripoli) passes east of the village. Sellasia is known for the cultivation of olives.

History

Sellasia was named after the ancient town Sellasia, which controlled the entrance to Sparta from the north. It was the site of the 222 BC Battle of Sellasia between the Spartans under Cleomenes III and the Macedonian/Achaean coalition under Antigonus III Doson. Afterwards, Sellasia was destroyed and the population was sold as slaves.[2]

People

Sellasia is the birthplace of Pavlos and Thanasis Giannakopoulos, owners of pharmaceutical company Vianex and former owners of Panathinaikos A.O. sports club. It is the place of origin of the tennis player Pete Sampras.

Historical population

Year Population
1981 523
1991 487
2001 524
2011 311

References