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The Prehistoric Period
Pelion is part of the prefecture of Thessaly where Neolithic settlements of advanced fortifications, tools and artistic objects have been found during excavations dating back to 5000 B.B.
The town of Iolkos was considered one of the most important towns of the settlement during 2500-1200 BC with its own port along with Alos, a smaller maritime town.
The Historical Period
Even though during the prehistoric period these two towns seemed to be of crucial importance, at the beginning of the historical period and after the besiegement of Philip V of Macedonia they started to decline and the port of Pyrasus became the commercial centre of the region.
Post-Classical Times
The town of Demetriada is founded in the region by King Demetrius Poliorcetes in 293 BC, a town with promising importance that falls under the Roman domination and loses its strength around 194 B.C.
Byzantine Period
No flourishing of any kind is recorded during that period in the region of Thessaly and the constant invasions of foreigners such as the Goths and the Huns causes the fortifications of most towns in Thessaly by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian and the establishment of the Kastro of Golos at the same location where the town of Iolkos used to stand.