Olynthus, an ancient city of Chalkidiki, situated in a fertile plain at the head of the Gulf of Torone, near the neck of the peninsula of Pallene, at some little distance from the sea, and about 60 stadia (7 or 8 miles) from Potidaea.
Olynthos was for a century, the most important town of Chalkidiki. Its foundation is lost in the mythical years. Some archaeological findings show that in the town' s position used to be a significant prehistoric settlement, which was the town of the classical years. According to the mythology Olynthos was the son of Strymonas, King of Thrace and he was killed in lion hunting. After his death his brother Vraggas build Olynthos in his honor. According to another story Olynthos was the son of Hercules. There are some records for the town which date at the 7th century b.c., when the Vottis conquered it. The modern city Olynthos, sits on a small plateau on the western side of the river Olinthios (in ancient times known as Sandanos) across from the ruins of the ancient city. There is a small museum featuring artifacts recovered from old Olynthus, and part of the ruins are open to public tours during daylight hours. Of particular note are some of the earliest known mosaic decorated floors in the ancient Greek world.