Cistern remains in the Ancient Greek city of Orraon, founded in the 4th century BC. In 167 BC the settlement was destroyed by the Romans, but it was subsequently rebuilt and survived for a short period. Orraon was finally abandoned by its inhabitants, who were obliged to settle in Nikopolis, a city founded by Augustus after his victory in the battle of Actium, in 31 BC. A notable feature of Orraon is its defensive character. With massive fortification walls reinforced with towers in places and a cistern for collecting water, this city-fortress was located in a a strategic position, guarding the passage from the Amvrakikos Gulf to the Ioannina basin, the territory of Molossoi. The exceptional preservation of the stone-built private houses is another remarkable feature of this site. Built of the local tough limestone, the walls are preserved to a considerable height.