The archaeological research at Orchomenos has offered rich evidence for the
habitation at the site. In the Neolithic period the houses were circular huts
2 to 6 ms in diametre, while in the Early Bronze Age, (2800-1900 B.C.) they
were apsidal. In the Bronze Age (3rd-2nd century B.C.), Orchomenos was famous
as an important centre of civilisation. The palace and the great tholos tomb
show the power of Orchomenos in the mycenaean times. The town is mentioned by
Homer ("Catalogue of Ships") a a participant to the Trojan War; together with
Aspledon they contributed 30 ships. In historical times, Orchomenos was known
as the "town of Charites". Their temple is probably situated under the church
of Panaghia Skripou. Musical and poetical games, haretesia, were held in their
honour. The town was equally important during the Hellenistic times when the
fortification walls, visible today, were constructed.