The township of Aiani lies some 15-20 km. south of the city of Kozani (depending on which road one takes) and about 5 km. to the north of the middle reach of the river Haliakmon, which was turned into an artificial lake by the construction of the Polyfytos dam in 1973. On the north side of the lake the town has a road connection with Grevena, while there are also road links with Servia and Thessaly via the Rymnio bridge. To the west rises the Vourinos range, while low series of hills with small winter torrents and springs of water characterize the geomorphology of the region.
As the visitor approaches the area from Kozani, via either Kerasia or Kaisareia, he or she will see signposts pointing to the archaeological site on the Megali Rachi hill, which lies about 1.5 km. to the north-east of the modern town of Aiani. The hill is high and imposing with panoramic views over the surrounding countryside. Steep slopes on its south and west sides contain small caves and end in a deep ravine, through which flows a small river known as the ‘Rodaniotikos Lakkos’ or ‘Chandakas’: along its course there are springs of fresh drinking water and clay pipes from an ancient aqueduct have been found. On its north and east sides there are larger plateaux and at its highest point rise two fairly broad peaks, on which there were shallow deposits. Remains of buildings were found all over the successive plateaux that lie between the base and the crest of the hill.
According to the excavation data, the earliest traces of settlement on the hill date from the Neolithic Era. After a long period of continuous habitation, it is clear that the settlement was abandoned in the 1st century BC. Systematic investigations have brought to light three large public buildings and private dwellings with a wealth of movable finds.
