The earliest habitation in the area of the Aris river dates back to the the beginning of the 3rd millennium BC. Two megaron-shaped buildings have been excavated here, of which the best preserved one includes a prodomos (porch) a central hall, long lateral corridors, perhaps used as staircases to an upper floor, storage rooms and a courtyard. It probably housed the administrative and economic functions of a settlement. A little further south, a sanctuary of Poseidon was excavated, which was in use from about 1000 BC to the 4th cent. BC.

A part of a rectangular building with a central atrium, surrounded by stoas, has been uncovered. Its roof was covered with tiles bearing the inscription ΔΑ(ΜΟΣΙΟΣ), attesting its public character. Votive offerings dedicated to the god included miniature boats and ships, oars and rudders, and other offerings among which a bronze figurine of a seahorse stands out. After the liberation Messenia in 369 BC the sanctuary came under the control of either Pharai or Thouria.