Listed 100 (total found 157) sub titles with search on: History Official pages for wider area of: "GREECE Country EUROPE" .
AGIOS GEORGIOS (Village) GIANNITSA
It's unspecified when the village was founded and what was its Greek
name. Turks called it "Dort Armout", that means Four Pear Trees, probably
because of the four very high trees that there were in the village. Its old position
was at the area known as "Voudolivado". On the road there was a well
known inn belonging to a Palmer from Kastoria,
where all the travelers were welcomed. Its ruins were saved until 1954, when they
were pulled down because of the land distribution. At the current position of
the church of Agios Dimitrios, used to be the lodging of the Albanian Bey and
around of it was built the village by residents of the neighboring settlements.
Because of the bey’s power, which excelled even the Turkish police, in the village
found shelter chased away Christians. Later on, thieves and hoodlums came and
they worked to bey's fields in return to their protection.
An English (1876) as well as a German traveler report the existence
of the village with the inn and the cemetery, which was the only one in the area.
The destruction of the cemetery in 1989 brought into sight a tombstone with the
date "1800" and Greek names. Old people also mention the existence of
three hills of 3 meters height, in 200 meter's distance one from the other. It
is believed that during the Byzantine Empire they were used for the transmission
of information with fire. Two of them are saved until today, of which the one
is destroyed.
200 meters from the village, there was the church of Agios Georgios,
surrounded by towering trees. During the Russian - Turkish war, Turkish reservists
of the neighboring towns, on their way to Andrianoupolis,
stayed in the village. Among the plunder they committed on their way, is also
the destruction of the church in 1877. At that time only a few families lived
in the village, because cholera had decimated the population. Founder of the village
is regarded to be Mr. Papantoniou from the village Notia
of Almopia, who in order to evade islamization went to Valtolivado together with
other Christians from Aridea
and later settled in Agios Georgios.
This text is cited May 2005 from the Municipality of Megas Alexandros URL below
ALEXANDROUPOLI (Town) EVROS
ALONISSOS (Island) NORTH SPORADES
Tradition holds that the Cretans,with the mythical hero Staphylos
as their leader, established colonies on Peparithos
and on Ikos, in the
16th century B.C.during the Minoan domination of the Aegean Sea.
The Minoan colony later acquired a Mycenean character. The Mycenean
city stood on the site today known as Kokkinokastro, on the easter side of the
island. However, it is historically ascertained that the Geometric period finds
Ikos under the domination of the Dolopes. In time the Dolopes turned in to dangerous
pirates and became the scourge of the Aegean. The Athenian navy later on set out
to confront them, under the leadership of Cimon, who routed them and annexed all
the islands to Athens. Thus, in 476 B.C. the island joins the first Athenian Alliance.
During the classical period Ikos must have contained two cities. one
of them was probably located at Kokkinokastro, where ruins of the wall remain
till today and the other one on the site where the Village of Horio or Old Alonissos
stands today. During this period the island was renowned for its vineyards and
its exceptional wine.
In 190 B.C. the island was taken by the Roman navy. After this point
there is no further information on the history of Ikos until the occupation of
Constantinople by the Franks in 1204 A.D. when both Constantinople and the other
neighbouring islands pass in to the hands of the Venetian.
Togethet with Skopelos,
Alonissos is occupied by successive conquerors. After the fall of Constantinople
to the Turks, in 1453, the islands are turned over to the Venetians. They remained
Venetian until 1538, when the Turkish navy, under the leadership of Khair-ed-Din
Barbarossa, imposed Turkish authority.
During the Greek revolution of 1821 and the first years of independence
of Greek Nation, Greeks from different parts of Greece took refuge on Alonissos.
These people, along with the natives of the island compose the present population
of Alonissos.
This text is cited Mar 2003 from the Municipality of Alonissos URL below, which contains image.
AMFIPOLIS (Ancient city) SERRES
The Prehistoric period
The area of the estuary of the Strymon
River, with its natural wealth, offered favourable conditions of life and
establishment since prehistoric times. Findings from the settlement of the hill
133, form the cemetery of the settlement on the neighbouring Hill of Kasta and
other nearby sites, evidence the strong presence of man from the Middle Neolithic
period to the Early Iron Age (5000 BC-750 BC).
The Early historical times
From the middle of the 7th century BC, with the establishment of the
Greek cities by the estuary of the Stymon
River, begins the progressive penetration of the Greeks in Thrace,
as evidenced by the Attic and Corinthian vases found in tombs of the Archaic period.
The first signs of colonization in the area of Amphipolis (= Nine Roads) date
back to the first half of the 5th century BC.
The Classical and Hellenistic periods
The foundation of Amphipolis in 437 BC, under Pericles Age, represented
a great success for the Athenians who were trying for years, to gain a lodgement
in the wealthy inland. However, a few years later (422 BC), the city gains its
independence and it preserves it until it is integrated by Philip II 357 BC) in
the Kingdom of Macedonia.
Within the Macedonian Kingdom, Amphipolis continues its important trade and cultural
activities. Special importance was also granted to the sanctuaries. Its economy
was based on its agricultural population which cultivated the "fertile valley
of the Strymon". Among the inhabitants of the city, many were merchants,
artisans and slaves. The active commercial life of the city reflects in the rich
collection of coins as well as in the establishment of a royal mint during the
Macedonian period. The prosperity of the city is supported by the production of
local pottery, sculptures and small artifacts which echo the daily life of the
city. Very important inscriptions, including an "ephebic law" on a stele,
date from that period and furnishes precious information on the "education
of the youth".
The Roman period
After the conquest of Macedonia
by the Romans (168 BC), Amphipolis was made capital of the first administrative-economic
unit (merida) of Macedonia. The Roman period is for Amphipolis a period of prosperity
under Roman sovereignty. As a stop along the Via Engatia route and enjoying the
support of roman emperors, such as Augustus and Hadrian, the city prospers economically
as evidenced by the monuments with mosaic floors, the sculpture works, the pottery
and other findings brought to light by the excavations.
The Early Christian period
By the end of the Ancient age (4th century AD), the city expanse is
reduced. However, the transfer of the capital of the Roman state to Constantinople
and the consecration of Christianity as official religion, favours the dynamic
course of life of Amphipolis during the Early Christian centuries, as evidenced
by the Early Christian basilicas, the artistic mosaic and the remarkable architectural
adornment. The plague of the 6th century AD and the movements of Slav populations
afterwards, lead to a new shrinkage of Amphipolis which disintegrates as urban
centre.
The Byzantine period
After the 9th century AD, building activity shifts to the estuary
of the Strymon river where an important city-harbour develops, known as Chrysoupolis.
A small settlement, Marmarion, develops over the ruins of Amphipolis, on the north-west
fringes of the hills, to serve the needs of the travelers crossing the Strymon
River at "Marmario Ford".
The Post Byzantine period
The last reference to Marmario is made in 1547 AD by the traveler
P. Belon. Since the 18th century, a new village, the village of Neohorion is mentioned
to be located on the site of Marmario. In the beginning of the Ottoman period,
Chrysoupolis remained the basic urban and commercial centre of the area, later
on followed by the smaller in size ottoman fortress of Orfanio, 6 km to the east
and 3 km from the coast. The commercial and industrial activity continued in the
delta and the mouth of the Strymon
River throughout the Tourkokratia (Turkish dominion).
This text (extract) is cited August 2003 from the Prefecture
of Serres tourist pamphlet.
ANAFI (Island) KYKLADES
Although it is a small island, it has a rich history and mythology. It was first settled in the eighth century B.C. by Dorians. After A.D. 1207 it devolved to a succession of Frankish families, such as the Foscoli, the Gozzadini, the Crispi and the Posani. In 1537 the island was pillaged by Khayr ed-Din, the pirate also known as Barbarossa.
There are two stories to explain the origin of its name:
One is related to the myth of the Argonauts, according to which the Argonauts became endangered by a terrible storm as they were returning from their expedition. Suddenly the island appeared before them, and for this reason it was called Anafi ('appeared').
The other version is related to the lack of snakes on ('An-Ofis'= 'without snakes').
This text is cited Feb 2003 from the Development Association 21th Geographical Unit URL below, which contains image.
ANDROS (Island) KYKLADES
One of the first inhabitants of Andros were the Phoenicians. According
to some historians, the capital of Andros was the Phoenician town of Arados which
later became Andros. Then came the Cretans whose leader was General Andros. One
of the most important civilizations of the island was developed in Zagora area
which reached its peak between 900-700 B.C. During the Archaic, Classical and
Hellenistic periods (600 B.C. -199 A.D.) Paleopolis (literally meaning the old
city) was the capital of the island. Andros contributed to this period with its
spiritual and material wealth and especially its naval strength. During the Roman
period, the island saw a decline with a small rise again during the years of the
Empress Adrianos.
During the years of the first Byzantine Emperor Constantinos, Andros
was part of the Empire. The basis for the prosperity in the area was the silkworm
trade which occupied most of the inhabitants who used the top floors of their
houses to cultivate the silkworms and to produce fine silk materials which were
in demand in the capitals of Greece and in Europe and European businessmen came
to the island to make their transactions.
After the fall of the Byzantine Empire by the Crusadors in 1204,
the Aegean was taken over by the Venetians. The island remained under the Venetian
rule until 1566 when it was seized by the Turks. The Venetians, in order to protect
the island from the pirates and the Turks, had built castles, towers and lookout
posts.
The Turks seize Andros in 1566 but due to privileges which were in
force from the beginning of the occupation, the island remained self-governing.
Greek schools in Andros started in the 18th century due to an attempt by the Ottoman
regime to be more liberal. In the churches and monasteries the priests and monks
taught the Greek language together with the values of western enlightenment and
along with this came the spiritual re-birth in the shape of Theophilos Kairis
who raised the flag for the National Revolution on the tower of the church of
St. George in Andros, on March 10th 1821.
During the second half of the 19th century a new bourgeois class
emerged made up from the families of those involved in the wealthy shipping business.
Ship captains built themselves up into ship-owners and their ships ( mostly with
names starting with Andros) made the name of Andros famous all over the world.
In the past 20 years, along with the shipping business and the rudimentary farming
business came the development of the tourist industry with all its positive and
negative aspects and which has peaked in the last ten years.
This text is cited Jan 2003 from the Association of Andros Municipalities URL below, which contains images.
Acient Times
The island owes its name to its first settler, one of the generals
of the Cretan king Rodamanthys, called Andros, who was given the island by his
sovereign. Being the son of Anios and grandson of Apollo, Andros was of divine
descent and his votive offering can still be found at the Oracle of Delphi. In
earlier times, the island had various other names: Nonagria, Hydrousa, Lassia
and Epagria, all descriptive of the physical appearance of the island, which in
those days was covered by dense forests, with a network of brooks and streams.
The island kept its name until the 13th century, when it was re-named
by the conquering Franks, who called it the Island of Saint Andreas after its
patron saint, whose name however has not been found in any of the island's historical
records. Originally, Andros was settled by subsequent waves of different peoples:
Kareans, Phoenicians, Minoan Cretans, Argeians, Egyptians, and finally Ionians
who settled here before the arrival of the Dorians.
Thanks to its fertile soil the island flourished, and during the
second Hellenic colonisation in the 8th century B.C. its inhabitants founded many
colonies along the coastline of the Chalkidiki peninsula and Thrace, including
Stagera, the birth place of Aristotle. Zagora, an important settlement of the
Geometric era (9th - 7th century B.C.), bears witness to the remarkable cultural
flourishing of this region. The island continued to thrive throughout the 6th
century B.C. when it constituted an independent state with its own coins.
During the Persian wars Andros was occupied for ten years by the
Persians, and following their defeat at Salamina, it became part of the Athenian
Alliance until the first Pelopponesian War, at the end of which it changed sides
and became an ally of Sparta. Today's old part of Andros Town (Palaeopolis) on
the west coast was then already the centre of the island and remained so until
the 4th century B.C.
In the Macedonian and Hellenistic wars Andros shared the fate of
the rest of the Cyclades, but in 199 B.C. it was occupied by the Romans who drove
the inhabitants out of the island and as far as Delios in Boiotia. The Romans
were initially interested only in the spills of war, but they eventually took
possession of the island in the 1st century B.C. when it became part of the Provinces
of the Islands.
Μiddle ages
From the beginning of the Byzantine era Andros distinguished itself
as a seat of learning and the neoplatonic philosopher Proklos (412-485) taught
there for many years. In the 9th century, presbyter Michael Psellos founded an
Academy of Philosophy on the island, where many Athenians were educated, including
the philosopher Leon, who became a great astronomer and geometrist of his time.
In the 11th and 12th century the island experienced an economic boom,
becoming the centre of silk-weaving industry and exporting exquisite velvet fabrics
known as examita or zentata, which were highly valued in the West and were sent
as gifts to the German imperial court. At the same time, during the entire Middle
Ages, the island suffered raids from pirates and Saracens. Following the fall
of the Byzantine Empire to the Franks in 1204, Andros was dominated by the Venetians
and ruled by Governor Marino Dandolo, followed by Governor Sanoudo and later by
various descendants of aristocratic families. At that time, many towers and forts
were erected on the island, and some partially survive until today.
In 1416 and 1468 Andros was attacked by the Turkish fleet and looted.
In 1537 it was taken over by Chaοreddin Barbarossa and subjected to Turkish taxes,
eventually becoming part of the Ottoman Empire in 1579.
Modern times
Under the Ottoman rule the island was part of the Cyclades sanjak
(province) ruled by kaptan pasha (admiral of the fleet). Later it was bestowed
on the sultan's mother, Sultana Velide, and in 1774 on the sister of the future
Sultan Selim. At that time Andros had many privileges, as it was no longer directly
dependent on kaptan pasha and was ruled by various kodjabashis (local lords).
Turkish rule was temporarily interrupted by the Russian occupation of the Cyclades
in 1770-1774.
On the 10th of May 1821, the renowned cleric and teacher of the nation
Theophilos Kaοris declared a revolution on Andros, and the island contributed
to the anti-Turkish revolutionary effort with substantial numbers of men and quantities
of provisions, as described in the historical records of the period. Two schools
were active on the island during the Ottoman rule: the School of Greek in Kato
Kastro (Chora) and the School of Agia Triada in Korthi.
This text is cited Jan 2003 from the Municipality of Andros URL below.
Andros island was very important in ancient times, thanks to its wealth,
both material and intellectual, but most af all thanks to its naval power.
A few stone and bronze age findings testify the existence of prehistoric
settlements in the island. Our knowledge comes from mythology. The founder and
first king of the island was Andros. The island was later colonized by Pelasgians.
Ancient times
During historic times the island was inhabited by Ionians, who possibly
came from Athens, as
Thoukydidis records. Latin Plinius the senior preserved some of the names, the
poets were calling the island. According to Myrtilos it was called Gavros and
later Antandros. Kallimachos calls it Lasia, others Hydrousa and others Nonagriam
and Epagrim (the last two meaningless words in greek). These names represent physical
characteristics of the island, vegetation, water, etc.
Significant information about Andros during Geometric Time, comes
from the discovery of an important settlement, rare for the time period, in the
area of Zagora. The
settlement flourished during 700-500 B.C. and, as it seems, vanished abruptly.
In Zagora were found 45 rectangular rooms with storage areas and
yards, built with the andriotic all-time stone material, schist. Floors were covered
with a layer of compressed mortar, as was common technique till recently. The
layers of mortar at the roof were supported by wooden beams and schist plates.
An important building of the settlement was the later-built temple,
which was probably dedicated for the worship of Goddess Athena.
During 7th century B.C. Andros was the metropolis of four important
colonies in the areas of Chalkidiki and Strymon bay, in northern Greece. These
were Akanthos, Sani,
Stagiros and Argilos.
According to Herodotus, during Persian Wars the Andriots, as well as the other
islanders, seem to have been with the Persian side, offering "soil and water"
to them.
The center during Classical Times, main city and information center
to us, is the settlement, which was built at the present town of Paleopolis. The
town seems to have been established around 700 B.C., when Zagora was abandoned.
No systematic excavations have been made yet. Two findings by chance are very
important, Hermes of Andros (Hellenistic copy) and the hymn to Goddess Isis, the
latter still being used as a door lintel in a house in Paleopolis.
There was also an acropolis, port, agora (market) and sufficient fortification.
About 60 silver and bronze coins have been found, many of which portray Dionysos,
loved God in Andros.
During Peloponnesian War Andros lined up with its allies, Athenians,
offering ships and soldiers. As a member of the Athenian Alliance, Andros was
paying 72000 drachmas (12 talanta), as an island tax to the alliance fund.
In 411 B.C. Andriots broke away from Athens, lined up with Sparta,
but came back and participated in the 2nd Athenian Alliance in 378 B.C.
After the battle in Haeronia
in 338 B.C., where they fought allied with Athenians, the city-state of Andros
came under Macedonian rule.
During Hellenistic historic period, which follows the death of Alexander
the Great, Andros was under direct Macedonian control and participated in the
islands community. Between 315 B.C. and 31 B.C., was consecutively under roman,
macedonian, ptolemean and second macedonian, under Dimitrios, rule. In 199 B.C.
roman and pergamean troops landed, sieged and captured Paleopolis. Andros was
under Pergamos of Attalides till was given to the Romans. Important monument of
hellenistic times is the Agios Petros Tower.
Byzantine era
In early Byzantine period Andros was an administrative part of Islands
Prefecture (capital Rodos). Christianity was spread from the first centuries to
its inhabitants.
The geographical position on the main sea route towards Constantinople
and the protection needs of the empire from arab pirate attacks, made Andros an
important administration center of the Aegean Sea Province (Thema) and base of
empire customs. Accordingly was the economic and intellectual prosperity of this
period.
We know that about 820 A.C. Leon the Mathematician was instructed
rhetoric, philosophy and mathematics in Andros, studing at the same time the rich
monastery libraries of the island.
12th century, period of Komninon reign, is the best documented for
the island. Valuable sourses of information are the foreign travellers who stopped
there, on their trip to Holy Lands.
Anglosaxon Seawurf, who passed from Andros in 1204, informs us that
silk industry was the main occupation of the inhabitants. Most prized were mainly
the andriotic sixtimes-woven silk textiles. heavy and luxurious, and the fine-wooven
"zentata" and "skindalia", fine golden threads.
Despite of the general prosperity we know that enemy raids continued.Venetians,
Normands and Genoats repeatedly attacked and ravaged the place.
After the fall of Constantinople by the crusaders, Andros came in
Venetian hands. In 1207 it was given to Marino Dandolo, relative of the Doge of
Venice and stayed under their rule till 1566. In order to protect the island from
consecutive pirate attacks and the Turks, Venetians built defensive castles and
towers.
First and main fort of Dandolo, military and administrative center
of the Venetian conqueror, was Mesa Kastro (Inner Castle), which was the first
core of the later Kato Kastro-Castel a basso (Lower Castle), the middle-age settlement
of present day Chora.
Present name Riva comes from Venetian times, since in that area was the main dock
of Chora.
Verified byzantine churches in Andros are:
•Taxiarchis in Messaria
(1158)
•Taxiarchis in Melida
(11th century)
•Taxiarchis in Ipsilou (11th century)
•Panagia (Virgin Mary) in Mesathuri (12th century)
•Agios Nikolaos in Korthi
(12th century)
Byzantine fortifications probably existed in present day Kastro Faneromenis
(Faneromeni Castle) above Kochylou, whereas tower ruins exist up in Melida village,
as well as in the base of the small church of Agia Sofia in Pachykavos in Ormos.
The second byzantine fortification, which is considered bigger and
stronger, was Epano Kastro-Castel del alto (Upper Castle). Some coincide Epano
Kastro with present day Kastro Faneromenis, while others place it in Paleokastro
area, above Ormos. In
19th century were still visible in the area ruins of fortifications, houses, churches,
cisterns and wells.
Smaller castles and fortifications were spread all over the island.
Their ruins are visible up to date. Some of them are the Pirgos Makrotantalou
(Makrotantalo Tower), Briokastro in Varidi, Kastellaki in Gides.
During the Venetian rule also took place the settlement of Albanians,
who mainly settled in the northern part of Andros.
Venetian catalogue of 1470 reports that Andros is inhabited by 2000
people, while ottoman report of 1567 mentions 1800 roman-greek and albanian houses
and 50-60 Frank houses.
Ottoman occupation
Ottoman occupation of Andros took place in 1566, in accordance with
the opinion of the inhabitants. This fact, of the willing subordination, gave
the island special privileges. The real administration till 17th century was exercised
by descendants of byzantine, frank and andriot families, who had adopted the feudalistic
venetian system.
Andros had a favourable treatment by the Ottomans even later. From
18th century belonged as "malikanes", a sort of feud, to Vadile Sultana
and in 1778 to Selim's the 3rd sister, Sach Sultana.
Andriots payed predetermined taxes and were excluded from forced
work and other payments, were protected from possible ottoman interventions, had
secured free trade and their rights of succession.
Between 1770 and 1777 Andros, as well as the rest of Cyklades, was
controlled by the Russians, through a local ruler called kantzillieris. After
the withdrawal of the Russians it was introduced in Andros the institution of
"kotzambasi". Kotzambasis in Kato Kastro (Lower Castle) and Korthi were
rich elder landowners. Most of the times were elected for one year and were the
real governors in Andros.
The economy of the island continued to be agricultural, but in Kato
Kastro had evolved a new class of sailors called "gemitzides", who in
19th century raised their own claims. In 1813 Andros had 40 ships with a tonnage
of 2800 tons and about 400 sailors.
In the first years of the Ottoman occupation, the operation of a school
is reported, founded in 17th century by Capuchin monks. In 1768 the Archbishop
of Andros, Dionysios Kairis, created the "School of Greek Literature".
In 1814 was established in Korthi the school of Agia Triada.
Recent History
In May 1821 after a people assembly, the participation of Andriots in the
Greek War for Independance was decided, with contribution of soldiers, money and
battle ships. From 1822 till 1828 social movements broke out in the island, like
the one led by Dimitrios Balis, with main reason the unbearable taxes imposed
by the local rulers.
At the same time the island suffered from landings of undisciplined
troops called "liapides", who terrorised mainly the villagers.
In Ottoman times the rapid growth of shipping in Andros is observed,
which after 1880 transformed from sail to steam powered, according to the new
demands. Andriot shipping managed to overcome the crisis of both World Wars and
constitutes up todate a main source of wealth for the island.
This text is cited March 2005 from the Municipality of Korthi URL below, which contains images.
ARGOS (Town) ARGOLIS
Argos, the most ancient Greek city, built almost 5.000 years ago under
the shadow of the hill of Larisa, showed its presence on all periods of Greek
history. With a plethora of ancient monuments, it remains a live album of historic
memory. The founder of the Argeans, according to the mythology is Inahos, who
set up the first cities at the exact location that Argos is nowadays, next to
the torrent that has his name.
According to the Archaeological science, the first organized inhabitants
of Argolida appear at about 2800 b.C. at the same time that copper starts being
used. These cities are Argos, Lerna, Tirintha, Asini and Mikines. From these,
only Argos was inhabited continually and at the same location since then. From
1600 b.C. and on, Mycenae gains power and its presence becomes intense in the
area of Argolida. When Mycenae starts to decay, Argos growing quietly under the
hill of Larisa, becomes the sovereign force in Argolida.
At the end of the copper era, Argos didn't depopulate but on the
contrary became the heir of the tradition of Argolida, assisting the integration
of the old population with the Doric tribes that arrived at the area. During the
Geometric era, Argos becomes the most ancient organized Doric city-state of Peloponnese
taking over its old leading role on the culture of Argolida and Peloponnese, which
it holds until the end of the Historic years, despite the hard competition with
Sparta. During the 7th century b.C. Pheidon -a well known king of Argos- sets
for the very first time in Greece, weights and measures. On the 5th and 4th b.C.
century the sculptural art thrives in Argos, with Poliklitos, the most famous
sculptor at the time. Many masterpieces are being made, with most well known,
the unique - sculpted on the rock- ancient theater of Argos.
The superiority of Argos, to which Mycenae, Nafplion, Tirinth and
Asini submit in turn, works as a starting point of the juxtaposition between Argos
and Sparta. After many long wars the later predominates in thePeloponnese.
During the Roman era Argos remains a live and active city and many
monuments of the time survive till now. Christianity was probably preached by
the Apostle Andreas. After the predominance of the religion (5th century) Argos
took on a bishop. Churches are being built, often on top of ancient devotional
centers. At the end of the 9th century, Saint Peter becomes the bishop (the patron
saint of the city today).
During the Byzantine years Argos becomes insignificant. It is being
conquered by the Franks, the Venetians and the Turks and follows the fate of the
rest of the cities, to arouse during the 1821 revolution. .
This text is cited Oct 2002 from the Municipality of Argos URL below, which contains images.
ARNEA (Town) HALKIDIKI
The only source we have got is that Arnea of the ancient times is
mentioned by Thucydides. He mentions that the general Vrassidas departed from
the town "Arne" leading his
troops from Akanthos to Amfipolis.
Based on mythology, "Ami" was the name of the daughter of Aeolus and mother of
Boetos, According to what Pafsanias says (IX, 40, 5), two towns took their name
from her; one in Thessaly and
the other in Boeotia, In
autumn 424 BC Vrassidas, the general of Sparta,
was activated in the area of today's Chalkidiki, trying to go into partnership
with the towns of the peninsula. Before the grape-harvest time Akanthos was besieged.
By using fine words and under the threat of damaging the grapes Vrassidas managed
to convince the people of Akanthos to give up their partnership with the Athenians
and go with the Spartans. A few days later, Stagiros,
which was situated not far from today's Olimbiada,
also went into partnership with them. In relation to that, Thucydides's narration
continues with detailed descriptions of other war-like events, which took place
in the area of Boeotia. We
do not know what Vrassidas has done in the meantime but Thucydides refers to him
again by saying:
This is the only historical reference to the town of Arnea."Departing from Arni of Chalkidiki, Vrassidas walked with his troops against this town (meaning Amfipolis). In the afternoon, when they reached Aviona and Vormisko (a place not far from Stavros), where the lake Volvi flows into the sea, they had dinner and immediately continued with their route during the night. Because the weather was bad and it was sleeting, they were in a hurry. Vrassidas wanted not all the people of Amfipolis but those who had come in agreement with him to understand that he was coming".
Dimitrios Kyrou, loakeim Papagelou, ed.
This text is cited Oct 2002 from the Municipality of Arnea URL below.
ASSOPOS (Small town) LACONIA
Year of establishment and History. In comparison with other historical events of Lakonikis, the year of establishment of the city of Asopos is somewhere between the prehistoric year and the descent of the Doreis, who conquered Lakonia and did not allow the establishment of colonists. The Town had great prosperity during the Roman Years, and with 18 other coastland cities of Lakonia, were part of the so-called people of the Liberal - Lakonians. It had the luxury of independence, but that didn’t mean they had full independence, native minions commanded them and because of their privilege, they had cut their own coin, one side of it illustrated, the Gods of Posidona, Artemis, Nemesis, and the other side the inscription "Asopiton" or with the head of Dionysus in one and the other with Posidonas and the inscription "Asopiton". A coin like that is now exhibited in the Museum of Sparti.
During the Byzantine Years Asopos had a remarkable presence. Round 450ac. the Bishop of Salonika was elected Exarch of the Church of Greece, which consisted of 12 Cathedrals. In the Cathedral of Achaia came under the Bishopric of Asopos, which during the last Byzantine Years came under the Cathedral of Monemvasia. After the conquest of Lakonia from the Turks in 1461 ac., Asopos came under them. But it was a meaningless little village. The fear of the invasions of Pirates, made the colonists to move higher and build a village called "Kalivia", called like that most likely because of the sloppily and small houses. With the war of the Heneto-turkish, 1669ac. a lot of Cretes came and settled in the area, that is why a lot of names end with -akis. In the memory of their homeland, they named the village Konte-Vianika, the second theme of the name dictates the toponym of Creta, Vianos.
This extract is cited Apr 2003 from the Municipality of Assopos URL below.
ASTAKOS (Small town) ETOLOAKARNANIA
Mythology
In ancient times western Greece was a land of two great nations -
Etolon and Akarnanon. The disputed boundary between them was the Acheloos
River.
Akarnania was comprised of the western part from the Ionian
sea till the Acheloos and from the Amvrakiko
Gulf till the Gulf of Astakos
and the estuaries of the Acheloos.
There is a legend that the area of Astakos was the land of the Cyclops,
more specifically, on the rugged slope of Veloutsas over Kasteli is located the
cave of the Cyclops who blinded Odysseas, while some impressively large boulders
in the valley are believed to be those which the angry Cyclops threw at Odysseas
and his companions in order to sink their ship.
According to mythology, and what Thoukidides tells us, the first colonizer
of the area of Astakos was Alkmeon, son of the king of the Argos, Amphiarao Alkmeon,
was thrown out by the Furies after having killed his mother. He reached the estuaries
of Acheloos and settled there. He became the head of the area and had a son, Akarnana,
whose name was later given to this area.
Antiquity
The most ancient trace of inhabitants in Etoloakarnania were found
in caves near Astakos and at the foot of Varsovas (Kryoneri) while the ruins at
St: Elias can be dated back to the Neolithic era. Settlements from this era were
not saved. However, we have important remnants of facilities and mansions of the
early age of copper at Platygiali near Astakos, (St. Pantelemonas) at Palaia Plevron
and at Palaiomanina (Savria).
During the Mycean years, the influence of the centers of Eastern Greece
becomes noticeable in many sectors of Etolia and Akarnania in the towns Koronta
and Pelasgiko, Astakos and Palero.
In the 5th century B.C. in Akarnania there were centres which were highly developed,
minting their own money and having their own armies.
From 500-300 B.C. many wars were fought in this area and many alliances
were made, according to the needs of each period of time.
During the years of the Peloponesian war, Astakos was mentioned by
Thucydides twice.
The first time was during the first year of the war when 100 Athenian
triremes attacked Astakos and overthrew Evarcho who soon asked the Corinthians
and Lakedemonians for help. They arrived at Astakos with forty ships and reinstated
the tyrant (431 B.C.). The rule of Corinth over Astakos lasted about 2 years.
The second reference takes us to the third year of the war when the Athenian fleet
approached Astakos for the second time with Phormiona as commander. A landing
force of 800 men pouched their way into the interior of Akarnania and for a rather
long period of time conducted various undertakings with the intention of strengthening
the Athenian rule over the whole land.
Thucydides also mentions another stronghold, Koronta.
Around 218-206 B.C. the decline of Etolia and Akarnania began with the attack
of Phillip 5 th. Around 30 B.C. with the founding of Nicopolis
and the Roman settlement of Patra in the 14th century B.C. The depopulation of
the area started with the population moving towards Amvrakiko and Nicopolis. From
various sources we gather that the towns Anaktorio,
Thyrrei, Livia and Metropolis
existed until the 2nd century B.C. Today they are known as Palaia manina, Astakos
and Koronta.
Byzantine Era
From the Roman era until the revolution of 1821, the area of Akarnania
and Etolia went through a period in which developments were rapid and they show
in the archeological findings and in the ruins of ancient Christian churches.
A blossoming of artistic expression from the centers of Byzantium, most especially
Constantinople and Thessaloniki, is noticed.
Akarnania, with the founding of the state of Epirus which was called
a domain (1204) suffered from barbarian raids such as Slavs, Arabs and Bulgarians
who plundered, destroyed and ruined. The whole area was later destroyed again
during the Venetian-Turkish wars. We ascertain that the area was continually under
the clouds of war during that time.
Later Years
Many conflicts of the then strong nations continued during the following
years for the domination of the area, due to the importance of its location.
In 1358 all the fortresses which belonged to the domain of Epirus
were taken over by the Albanians until 1405 when Charles I, count of Cephalonia
and Lefkada, become victorious.
In 1430 the whole area passed into the hands of Sinan Pasa, and the
long-lasting rule of the Turks in the area was strengthened. On October 7, 1571,
in the area of Astakos, near the Echinades
Islands, with 25,000 soldiers. One of the biggest naval battles of the Middle
Ages - the battle of Lepante - took place. The united Christian fleet, with 285
ships of the Venetians, Spaniards and Pope Pious and with 8,000 Greeks under Don
Juan of Austria, confronted and crushed the Turkish fleet of Kapoudan Pasa.
This naval battle was the beginning of the collapse of the myth that
Ottoman Empire was unbeatable on land and sea. The reconstruction of the nation
owes a great deal to the institution of communities which was the basic nuclear
social organization. The Akarnanians of Xiromero
were forerunners in the freedom fight and in many revolutionary movements.
The battles which took place during this period were numerous and
bloody. In the Akarnanian mountains the klephts flourished. In the area of Dragamestov,
George Karaiskakis deployed his encampment. For this reason, the old village Dragamestov,
in its new location, is now called Karaiskaki.
In Dragamesto General George also deployed an encampment in 1827. On May 25th,
1921 the revolution in Xiromero was declared with the publication and circulation
of the revolutionary proclamation written by George Varnakioti.
In August 1824, Karaiskakis lay in ambush for a Turkish convoy at
the location "Manina". On July 10, 1827, Dimos Tselios made a landing
at Dragamesto.
His units joined the forces of Rangou and together they attacked the
Turks and took possession of Mytikas
and Kandila. On November 17,
1827, Greek forces carry out a landing at Dragamesto and continue on to seize
Chrysovitsa and Ligovitsi.
Later, during the period 1940-1944, the offering and participation of the people
of the area was important. A significant battle against the occupation forces
took place at Tsapournia.
This text is cited December 2004 from the West Greece Region General Secretariat URL below.
ASTYPALEA (Island) DODEKANISSOS
H Aστυπάλαια ταξίδεψε μέσα στους αιώνες με το ίδιο όνομα. Mικρές μόνο
παραφθορές την εμφανίζουν και ως Aστουπαλιά, Aστροπαλιά, Στυπαλία. Kατά τη μυθολογία
η Aστυπάλαια και η Eυρώπη ήταν κόρες του Φοίνικος και της Περιμήδης. Aπό την ένωση
της Aστυπάλαιας με τον Ποσειδώνα γεννήθηκε ο Aργοναύτης Aγκαίος και ο βασιλιάς
της Kω
Eυρύπυλος. Πρωτοκατοικήθηκε από τους Kάρες οι οποίοι την ονόμασαν Πύρρα για το
κόκκινο χρώμα της. Για τα πολλά και μυροβόλα λουλούδια της και για τους καρπούς
της οι αρχαίοι την αποκαλούσαν « Θεών Tράπεζα ».
Όπως και τώρα έτσι και τότε, το μέλι της ήταν ονομαστό. Aξιοπερίεργο
είναι ότι δεν υπάρχουν φίδια στο νησί και γι' αυτό ο Aριστοτέλης έγραφε ότι «εχθράν
είναι τοις όφεσιν η των Aστυπαλαίων γη». Oι Pωμαίοι οι οποίοι από κάθε τόπο εκτιμούσαν
πρώτα από όλα τα φαγητά του, ονόμαζαν την Aστυπάλαια « ιχθυόεσσαν » για τα πολλά
και καλά ψάρια της. O Πλίνιος αποδίδει στα σαλιγκάρια του νησιού θεραπευτικές
ιδιότητες. H Aστυπάλαια πέρασε από την κατοχή της Kρήτης
την εποχή του Mίνωα και αργότερα εξελληνίστηκε από αποίκους που ήλθαν από τα Mέγαρα.
Kατά τους αρχαίους χρόνους το νησί θα πρέπει να παρουσίασε ιδιαίτερη
ακμή, όπως μαρτυρούν διάφορα ευρήματα, κυρίως νομίσματα, που βρέθηκαν στη διάρκεια
ανασκαφών, αλλά και συχνές αναφορές σε κείμενα αρχαίων συγγραφέων. Tα ευρήματα
εκτίθενται στο αρχαιολογικό μουσείο που λειτουργεί στον Πέρα Γιαλό, από το οποίο
μπορεί ο επισκέπτης να πιάσει την άκρη του νήματος της ζωής της Aστυπάλαιας. Kατά
την ελληνιστική εποχή υπήρξε λιμάνι - σταθμός των Πτολεμαίων της Aιγύπτου
και κατά την ρωμαϊκή παρουσίασε σημαντική ανάπτυξη χάρη στα πολλά φυσικά λιμάνια
της τα οποία αποτελούσαν ορμητήριο κατά των πειρατών.
Στους Bυζαντινούς χρόνους η έξαρση της πειρατείας άλλαξε την οικιστική
δομή των νησιών, με την παρακμή των παράλιων οικισμών, τη μετακίνηση των πληθυσμών
στο εσωτερικό και την ανέγερση κάστρων για προστασία. Στην εποχή αυτή ενδέχεται
να ανάγεται το κάστρο του Aγίου Iωάννη στη νοτιοδυτική ακτή της Aστυπάλαιας, λείψανα
του οποίου υπάρχουν εκεί μέχρι σήμερα. Όμως η περίοδος με το εντονότερο σημάδι
που διασώθηκε μέχρι τις μέρες μας - το Kάστρο - είναι αυτή της ενετοκρατίας.
Mετά την κατάλυση του βυζαντινού κράτους από τους Φράγκους, το 1204,
και τη δημιουργία του Δουκάτου της Nάξου,
ο Bενετός ιδρυτής του Mάρκος Σανούδος παραχώρησε την Aστυπάλαια στον επίσης Bενετό
ευγενή Iωάννη Kουιρίνι. Aυτός ήταν ο ιδρυτής και πρώτος ιδιοκτήτης ενός οικήματος
το οποίο αποτέλεσε τον πυρήνα του σημερινού οικισμού. Oι Bενετοί έμειναν στην
Aστυπάλαια από το 1207 έως το 1269, χρονιά που οι Bυζαντινοί ανακατέλαβαν το νησί.
Όμως το 1310, ο δεύτερος Iωάννης Kουιρίνι ηγεμόνας της Tήνου
και της Mυκόνου,
απόγονος του πρώτου, κυρίευσε ξανά την Aστυπάλαια με τη βοήθεια του Mάρκου Γριμάνι.
Oι Kουιρίνι έμειναν κύριοι του νησιού για σχεδόν 300 χρόνια. O καθένας με τη σειρά
του ανακαίνιζε και μεγάλωνε το Kάστρο. Πλάκες με τα οικόσημα των ευγενών βενετσιάνων
που το έκτισαν και το κατοίκησαν, εντοιχισμένες σε διάφορα σημεία, μιλούν για
τα περασμένα μεγαλεία τους. Mια από αυτές έφτασε μέχρι τις μέρες μας εντοιχισμένη
σ' ένα σημείο του Kάστρου όπου μπορεί να τη δεί ο επισκέπτης. Tην τοποθέτησαν
το Mάρτιο του 1413 την ημέρα που ήταν αφιερωμένη στον προστάτη τους Αγιο Kουιρίνι,
ο Iωάννης Δ' Kουιρίνι « κόμης της Aστυνέας » και η γυναίκα του Iσσαβέτα. Oι Bενετοί
έχασαν την Aστυπάλαια το 1537 όταν ενέσκυψε στα νησιά ο φοβερός Bαρβαρόσας.
Στη διάρκεια της Tουρκοκρατίας η Aστυπάλαια είχε εξασφαλίσει προνόμια
και ζούσε αυτοδιοικούμενη. Πήρε μέρος στην επανάσταση του 1821, αλλά όπως και
τα υπόλοιπα Δωδεκάνησα δεν συμπεριελήφθη στα όρια του ελεύθερου ελληνικού κράτους.
Έμεινε υπό Tουρκική κατοχή, μέχρι το 1912 όταν ακολούθησε η Iταλική. Mαζί με όλα
τα Δωδεκάνησα ενσωματώθηκε επισήμως με την Eλλάδα στις 7 Mαρτίου 1948.
AVDIRA (Ancient city) XANTHI
The Mythology and history chose Hercules and Timisios as the founders
of the town of Avdera. The truth is only one, Avdera has been traveling to the
eternity since 556 B.C. dressed with the light of civilization.
The first to come to the region were the Clazomenians in 656/652 B.C.
Under the leadership of Timesios, they founded their own city and fortified it
with strong walls. This colony gradually declined and Avdera was refounded by
Teian settlers in 545 B.C.
Given that Teian settlement was located on a site, which was advantageous
for trade with the Thracian hinterland and more over featured two harbours and
a rich arable land, it shortly turned out to be one of the most flourishing cities
in the northern Aegean. Typical feature of the city's great commercial activity
was the looming activity of minting. In the city there was a royal mint where
coins of the Great Alexander were produced. The finding of the coins of Avdera,
bearing the emblem of a griffin, in places as remote as Egypt,
Syria and Mesopotamia,
manifests the scale and the dynamics of the city trade.
In the flourishing city of Avdera, which had been greatly influenced
by the cultural life of Ionia,
well-known poets, sophists and philosophers were born and lived. Democritos, the
great materialist philosopher, who founded the atom theory, the sophist Protagoras,
the spirit teacher Leukippos, Anaxarchos, Hecataeos the grammarian, Vion the mathematician
are some of the significant spirit men of Avdera.
This text (extract) is cited October 2003 from the Municipality
of Avdera tourist pamphlet.
CHALKI (Island) DODEKANISSOS
Situated to the south of Tilos and west of Rhodes, Halki has been inhabite since antiquity, when it must have been very prosperous, judging from the coir found by archaeologists. Its name most probably reflects the copper ore (halkos) once mined there. It is a small but mountainous island (just 28 square kilometres in area).
CHANIA (Town) CRETE
Historically and Archaelogically, the hill of Kasteli is one of the most significant parts of the city, as it has been inhabited since Neolithic times. The factors which contributed to the uninterrupted use of Kasteli as a residential area were : its geographic position and the fertile plain on the south, both of which contributed to making the district an important commercial and transport junction. Excavations have brought to light remains dating from the first Minoan period (2800-2000 B.C.). The houses of that period are large with well constructed rooms. The walls and floors are painted with a bright red colour. The Kasteli area was also inhabited in the Post-Minoan period (1580/1550 - 1100 B.C.). According to the evidence offered by the clay tablets in Linear A scripture found on the hill, the area was reserved for royal use. Between 1380 and 1100 B.C. it developed into a commercial centre which was in constant communication with the rest of Crete and Greece.A historically significant ceramics workshop, known as "the Kythonia Workshop" has also been found in the Hania area. It now belongs to the post-royal period.
During the so called Historical Years, Kythonia seems to have been a powerful city-state, whose domain extended from Hania Bay to the feet of the White Mountains. Kythonia was constantly at war with other city-states such as Aptera, Falasarna nad Polyrrinia. In 69 B.C. the Roman Consul Cointus Metellus defeated the Cretans and conquered Kythonia to which he granted the privileges of an independent city-state.
Kythonia reserved the right to mint its own coins until the 3rd century A.D. The Roman conquest put an end to the civil wars and a period of peace began, unique in the history of the island. The Kythonia of the Historical Years was of the same size as the city of Hania at the beginning of the 20th century
Information about the Kythonia of the Christian Years is limited. The most important archeological finds are those of the remains of a Basilica, discovered recently near the Venician Cathedral in the centre of Kasteli. Various sources mention the Kythonia Diocese and the Bishop Kythonios, who participated in the Sardinian Synod in 343. Kythonia is mentiond among the 22 most important cities of Crete in the "Document of Ieroklis" in the 6th Century. The Kytonia Diocese is also mentioned in all the "Ecclesiastical Minutes" (taktica), before and after the Arabian Occupation.
The occupation of Crete by the Arabs was effected gradually from 821 to 824. The consequences of the arrival of the Arabs in Crete were rather painful for the local population, who were subjected to a long and horrible period of slavery, resulting in the alienation of Crete from the Byzantine empire. St. Nicholas Stouthitis was born in 763 in Kythonia, which he left at the age of 10 to go to Constantinople. In 961, Nikiforos Fokas managed to free Crete and bring it back under the control of the Byzantine empire.
The first action of the Byzantine empire, after reconquering Crete, was to re-establish their authority and power. Not only should all traces of the Arab occupation be abolished but also the defense of the island had to be organised quickly in order to avoid any Arab attempt to take back the island. Thus, strong fortifications are constructed along the coast and at strategic positions. The hill of Kasteli is fortified with a wall along its perimeter. This was constructed with building materials taken from the ancient city. It is still regarded as a remarkable military accomplishment and a proof of the continuous existence of the city in the period between the Arab and the Venician occupations.
After the 4th Crusade and the dismantling of the Byzantine empire, in 1204, Crete is given to Bonifacio, the Marquis de Monfera. He, in turn, chooses to sell it to the Venicians for 100 silver marks. In 1252 the Venicians manage to subdue the locals as well as the Genoans, who, under the leadership of the Count of Malta Henrico Pescatore, had seized Crete. Hania is chosen as the seat of the Rector (Administrator General) of the region and flourishes as a significant commercial centre due to the fertility of the land. Contact with Venice leads to the social, economic and cultural conditions necessary for the growth of a culture strongly affected both by the Venician and the local element.
The Turks land near the Monastery of "Gonia" (Corner) in Kissamos, which they plunder and burn. They seize the fortified isle of "Agioi Theodori" and, after a two month siege, the City of Hania on 2nd August 1645. A new state of affairs prevails in the city, where churches are turned into mosques and Christian fortunes come to the hands of the conquerors. The Turks reside mostly in the eastern districts, Kasteli and Splanzia, where they convert the church of St Nicholas of the Dominicans into their central mosque "Houghiar Tzamissi" (The Sovereign's Mosque). Besides turning catholic churches into mosques, they build new ones such as "Kioutsouk Hassan Tzamissi" on the harbour. They also build public baths (Hamam) and fountains. In 1821 many Christians are slaughtered and the Bishop of Kissamos, Melhisethek Thespotakis is hanged in Splantzia. In 1878, the Treaty of Halepa is signed and the Christians are granted certain rights. In 1898, the semi-autonomous "Cretan State" is established and the city of Hania flourishes as the Capital of Crete
This text is cited Sep 2002 from the Municipality of Chania URL below, which contains images.
CHOLARGOS (Municipality) ATTIKI
The first historical report to Cholargos as a municipality dates 2500 years ago. The most famous resident was Pericles of the ancient Athenian Democracy. Pericles was born around 494 b.c. possibly at his father's country house (his father's name was Xanthipos) of Cholargos. The main street of the city is named after him and the main city entrance is decorated with Pericles bust. Local authorities use the bust of Pericles on the municipal insignia stating that Cholargos is the native land of the most glorious man in the ancient Athenian Democracy. According to the report of archaeologist’s Mr. Nikolaou Liarou the area that the recent municipality of Cholargos occupies, includes archaeological inhabitancy remains from the ancient years. The first inhabitancy indications date back to the prehistoric years. Next inhabitancy indications are reported later on in the Classical and Hellenistic years.
In the area of the 5th bus stop in Cholargos important grave monuments of the 5th and 6th century were found in 1964. Inhabitancy indications of the Classical, Roman and Byzantine times were recently found on the north side of Korakovouni mountain. In the same area at the histero-Byzantine times, the temple of Ag Eleousa was build possibly at around 13th century. Northwest of the temple the mid-Byzantine monastery of Ag Ioannis Theologos stands as the only remain of those years. The recent history of Cholargos begins in 1926 with the creation of a building co-operative. Cholargos was declared a Community(small municipality) in 1933. The first community president was Mr. Nikolaos Vitalis. Cholargos was declared a Municipality in 1963.
CORFU (Municipality) IONIAN ISLANDS
The Municipality of Corfu (First Class) was established on January
6th 1866 but the history of local government in Corfu goes back many years. There
was representation of the class of the Nobles in the Angevin (Anjou) period (14th
century). This representation of the class of the Nobles (Corpo dei Nobili) was
legislated and further organized during the Venetian rule. It was named 'Council
of Corfu' and its members were selected from the most prominent Greek and Italian
families. The Council's opinion on matters of local government was never disputed
from the Venetian authorities until the end of Venetian rule. On the arrival of
the Republican French on the island (1797), the local government in Corfu takes
the form of transition government in which all the ranks participated. A provisional
municipality was established, consisted of 48 members, bourgeois, craftsmen, and,
for the first time, peasants. The presidency was given to the leader of the Democratic
Party, Count Spyridon George Theotokis. One of the first things to do was to burn
the book-emblem of the Nobles (Libro d' Oro) and to plant the Tree of Liberty
in the Esplanade Square (Kato platia).
After the deliverance of the Seven
Islands to the Russian and Turkish allied fleet (1799), Admiral Usakof established
a local government in every island in which all the ranks were represented, nobles,
bourgeois (merchants and craftsmen) and even the peasants in some cases. The Senate
was established in Corfu with participants from all seven islands and she had
the supreme supervision of the local governments (named the 'petit councils').
A little later and according to the Constitution of 1800, that was named 'Byzantine',
the first Greek independent state, after Byzantium, was established and the local
government takes the responsibilities of a full administration (Gerousia) with
Count Spyridon George Theotokis as president.
During the British occupation the island of Corfu becomes the seat
of the High Commissioner, the seat of the Government and of the legislative, judicial
and administrative authorities. The Provincial (Eparchiako) Council administered
the local government and carried on working even after the Union with Greece until
1866. The Provincial Council decided on 1st June 1864 to offer the use of land
and the use of the Summer Palace, on the suburb Agios Panteleimon (later called
Mon Repos), to the newly arrived King George I of Greece, in order to be used
for the summer-holiday needs of the members of the royal family.
In 1866 the Municipality of Corfu was established, which included
the city of Corfu and the suburbs Saroco, Garitsa, Anemomilos,
Stratia, Figareto, Mandouki and the islands Vido and Lazareto.
The most important event of this period was the demolition in 1893 of Porta Reala,
one of the most important monuments of European cultural Heritage. The attempts
of the Prefectorial authorities and of many journalists in the Greek and European
press, couldn't persuade the Municipal Council to recall its decision and a little
after the carnival of 1893, Porta Reala was demolished, sacrificed to the political
contradiction.
In 1912 according to the Law "For the introduction of Municipalities
and Communities" the municipalities on the island cease to exist except that of
Corfu City. The Municipality of Corfu incorporates the biggest part of the Potamogitonon
Municipality, namely the suburb of Potamos
and the communities of Kyra Chrisikou,
Temploni, Kontokali
and Gouvia. During the Italian
fascist occupation the lawful Mayor Spyridon Kollas was violently removed and
replaced successively by several ordered Mayors.
After the Second World War, in 1952, another important even occurred.
Again the target was the cultural heritage of Corfu. In 31st March 1952 the Mayor
of Corfu Stamatios Desyllas and the Municipal Council took unanimously the decision
to demolish the Municipal Theatre of Corfu, already bombed by the Nazi Germans
in 1943. The Municipal Theatre was demolished, despite the recommendations to
the contrary from many learned Corfiots.
The Colonel Regime replaced in 1967 the lawful Mayor Spyridon Rath
and until 1974 the local government was exerted by ordered for that purpose councils.
After the restoration of Democracy a new smooth political life was
established which caries on until today. Since 1997 in the scope of the reformation
of the local government and according to 'Kapodistrias' plan (Act 2539/4-12-1997),
the communities of Alepou,
Kanalia and Evropouli
were incorporated in the Municipality of Corfu.
This text is cited May 2003 from the Municipality of Kerkyra URL below, which contains images.
CORFU (Town) IONIAN ISLANDS
At the end of the 19th century San Giacomo theatre, the first theatre
in South-Eastern Europe, was considered by the Municipality of Corfu that could
not accomplish his mission and satisfy the needs of a constantly increasing public
audience. The decision for the construction of a new municipal theatre was taken
in 1885, when the Mayor Georgios Theotokis was in office. The building started
in 1893 by the Mayor Michael Theotokis. Due to the exceedingly high cost, the
work was completed in 1902, on plans made by the architect Conrado Pergolesi,
who used as a prototype the Milanese "Teatro la Scalla". It was 39m in height
and in front of his entrance was a gallery decorated with 6 columns of the toscanic
order. Externally, the upper floor was decorated with 4 semi-columns of the corinthian
order and a gable. At the center of gable there was the shield of Corfu in relief,
engarlanded with a laurel wreath. The entrance of the Theater was decorated with
huge purple columns and the high walls were frescoed with the portraits of famous
composers, made by Italian artists.
The Municipal Theater had 64 theatre-boxes arranged in three tiers
and a gallery on the top. Each box was luxurious and individually decorated; it
had jalousies, a small compartment with valuable mirrors and screen, and each
bow was exclusively gaslit. The stalls area was luxurious and richly decorated,
with purple velvet armchairs. The No 1 box was reserved for the Theater Committee
and behind this box was the office of the Committee, where the valuable archive
of San Giacomo's Theater was neatly kept. The first box in the second row was
the specially looked-after Royal box, reserved for the members of the Greek Royal
family, when they were in Corfu. Above the third row of boxes was the gallery.
The popular classes of the city, of Mandouki, Garitsa and the suburbs made all
the necessary sacrifices in order to obtain their ticket to the opera. Besides,
they were the passionate judges of the performances and awarded the ovation to
the artists. This applause was very much wanted, because the certificate "Applaudito
a Corfu" was a first class passport for the Italian or European tours of the operas.
In front of the stalls area was the proscenium with the places for
the orchestra that accompanied the opera. The whole of the orchestra was comprised
of Corfiot performers and only one Harp was brought from abroad. The musicians
performed 10 operas per season, starting in September and ending the last Sunday
before the Ash Monday.
The stage was big and spacious in order to handle the special needs
of every performance. Behind the sage was the backstage, spacious and comfortable
for the personnel of every opera, with many offices and all the necessary stage-compartments
for the perfect execution of the performances. The stage-curtain was the old stage-curtain
of San Giacomo Theater. Inspirator and creator of that stage-curtain, was the
advisor of the Academy of Fine Arts of Venice,
Giovanni Buzatto, who made the stage-curtain of Teatro Fenice in Venice, or according
to some others Napoleone Genovesi. The painting showed the festivities during
the reception of Odysseus in the island of Phaeacian king Alcinoos and was originally
used for the scenographic needs of the first theatrical performance in Greek,
by the same name, in San Giacomo Theater. It remained there after the performance,
used as stage-curtain and later was transferred to the New Theater.
The Theater was considered as one of the best in Europe. The acoustics
were incomparable in any technical aspect and had the ability, like a sound box,
to amplify correctly even the faintest sound. Its capacity could be estimated
to about 1,000 and it had a large foyer, decorated on the ceilings with splendid
frescos made by Italian artists that represented ancient Greek gods and several
musical themes. The balls that were held in the theater's foyer have since remained
notorious.
The Municipal Theatre was inaugurated on December 7th, 1902 and staged
Wagner's "Lohengrin". Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany attended one of the performances
when he was in Corfu visiting his 'Achillion' palace.
The mythology that the Corfiots developed about their theatre, in
every case shows that even in the first decades of the 20th century, the opera
was a spectacle that was capable of moving even the popular classes. The audience
was so much acquainted to the opera, that when in 1907 a symphonic performance
was given for the first time, by the Old Philharmonic, the public received it
with unprecedented astonishment for the Corfiot standards.
The performances continued regularly for the hole of the first quarter
of the 20th century and Italian operas were called in Corfu by the administrative
authorities of the Theatre.
After 1923, when Italy bombarded Corfu, the Italian operas ceased
to appear in Corfu. From that time on Greek operas were called under the direction
of the maestros Dionisius Lavrangas, Alexandros Kiparissis, Stefanos Valtetsiotis
and others. Since then, dramatic plays were also staged and artists like Marika
Kotopouli and Pelos Katselis appeared in Corfu, as well as many operettas of the
time.
The Municipal Theatre was not only an Art-monument but also a historical
one. On its premises the exiled Serbian parliament, the Skoupsina, held up meetings
in 1916, which decided the creation of the new Unified Kingdom of Yugoslavia.
In 1923 the Theatre's boxes were used to accommodate the refugees from Asia
Minor, while during the Italian Fascist occupation of the island movies were
shown.
The building cost of the Municipal Theatre was raised to about 1,000,000
British golden sovereigns, a huge amount of money for that time, leaving the Municipality
of Corfu with no option than to borrow this amount, the quittance of which was
arranged for 1941. Unfortunately the Theater ceased to exit the night of September
13th 1943, blackletter night when German incendiary bombs burned to ashes a big
part of the city of Corfu. Together with many other monuments, the bombs incinerated
the Municipal Theatre with all the invaluable archive of the musical theatre of
Corfu. The only thing that escaped fire was the above-mentioned stage-curtain
that luckily was not in the Theater that night. Recently that stage-curtain was
restored by the Municipality
of Corfu and is again exposed to the Corfiots, precious treasure of the artistic
history of Corfu.
Unfortunately, in the postwar period, the destroyed building was considered
unworthy, "without any architectural and historical value", by the architect Ioannis
Kollas and the civil engineers Georgios Linardos and Renos Paipetis. Their opinion
was announced to the Mayor, Stamatis Desillas and to the Municipal Council of
that period, which unanimously decided the demolition of the Theatre at a meeting
held on March 31st, 1952. In short time the Municipal Theatre was demolished,
despite the intensive protestations of many Corfiots, which they were extended
even to the courtrooms. Many years latter another theatre was built at the same
spot, but the old-one never ceased to exist in the harts of the Corfiots. This
is testified by the hundreds of photographs that are hanged everywhere, from privet
offices to public buildings, expressing a romantic nostalgia for the lost glory.
This text is cited May 2003 from the Municipality of Kerkyra URL below, which contains images.
DEMONIA (Village) ASSOPOS
According to archeological foundlings close to Demonia today, there was a city South of Plitra close to the coast, with an unknown name. Its position predominated, from the road from the Village Epidavro Limira and was also situated on the road to the plain of Asopos towards Neapoli. Perhaps we should connect it with the city of Kotyrta (which is mentioned by Thoukididis) while there was also the city of Afrodisias, which was later embodied with the city of Vion. The construction of the village to today's position was done during the years of the Turkish Domination. The habitants came from a lot of areas, most of them after the destruction of Psara, prevailing the family Lyra. Also habitants came from Kythira, but from Lyra as well after their destruction in 1770 bc from the Turkish Albanians.
This extract is cited Oct 2002 from the Municipality of Assopos URL below, which contains image.
DIMITRIOS YPSILANTIS (Municipality) KOZANI
(Following URL information in Greek only).
DROSSERO (Village) GIANNITSA
The village of Drosero was founded in the early 19th century under
the name "Ashar Bey" that means "The gallows of the Bey".
It owes, this unusual name, at the Bey that had his seat in the village and as
bloodthirsty he was, he had turned hangings and executions over into an everyday
routine. His lodging was at the eastern side of the village nearby the old church
of Agios Athanasios. Until 1913, when Macedonia was liberated, many Turkish families
lived in the village. At the point where the Primary School is built, used to
be a Turkish cemetery.
In 1922 sheltered permanently in the village refugees from the villages
Taifiri of Eastern Thrace and Iraklio of Nikomidia
in Asia Minor, while
in 1925 Vlachs came. It is said that the name "Drosero" (cool) was given
to the village when some passing by people who sat at the square of the village
to rest, extolled the fresh air blowing at the moment. The village used to be
the headquarters of the area in the early of the 20th century. Since 1912 have
been operating in Drosero, Police Station, Community Clinic and Primary School.
In 1940 came to the village the German occupation troops. After their
withdrawal in 1944, the civil war broke out, affecting dramatically Drosero's
fortune. In February 1946 the residents left the village and settled down in the
neighboring villages and Giannitsa.
In 3-7-1947 almost the whole village got burnt, except of about ten houses and
the church. The residents returned in 1950 and rebuilt the village from the beginning.
This text is cited June 2005 from the Municipality of Megas Alexandros URL below
ETHIKIA (Municipality) TRIKALA
Our Municipality was named after the ancient Aithikia. Aithikia is
mentioned by Homer and Stravonas, who describe Aithikes as people quite proud,
chosen to guard the passage from Epirus
to Thessaly. It is worth
mentioning that in 148 B.C., the Romans, after conquering Thessaly, appointed
the Aithikes in charge of guarding the strategic passages of Pindos
and rewarded them by granting them many privileges. In 1535, Thessaly came under
Turkish occupation. At that time, the mountainous Pindos was enjoying the greatest
prosperity mainly due to the massive transfers of the plain inhabitants of Thesssaly
to the mountains. The income from cattle-breeding and textiles (mostly woollen
fabrics) and the folklore architecture helped build in the villages of the Municipality
of Aithikon beautiful houses, churches, monasteries and bridges, to which all
the influence of the Epirus workmen is obvious.
During the 18th century at least one new and splendid church was built
in every village of the southern Pindos. Nowadays, not only the churches, but
also the numerous and once rich monasteries stand as irrefutable evidence of those
glorious days. In the 18th centuty, the social differentiation had already taken
place 1) the ruling class consisted almost exclusively by the chief shepherds
and landowners 2) the middle class comprised of the craftsmen, the weavers, the
tailors, the copper-workers etc. 3) the lowest class included the chief shepherds,
the cattle-breeders, the poorest mule-drivers and the small farmers. The villages
of Aspropotamos were dominated from powerful families of armatoloi, landowners
and chief shepherds to whom all people obeyed, like the family of the Chatzipetraioi
in Neraidochori, the
Chatzipetroulaioi in Pertouli
and the Pyrgaioi in Pyrra.
In some villages like Drosochori
and Neraidochori, the small industries of woollen fabrics flourished and became
so powerful that they traded their products even in Serres and Vienna. By the
end of the 18th century, the woollies’ traders resided and worked in Monastiri.
Many of the inhabitants of Pyrra were wandering blacksmiths, copper-workers and
tinkers.
Nikolaos Kasomoulis mentions the following:
"As occasion offered, I toured all the villages with him (the commander
of Aspropotamos, Stornaris) Pyrran, Kamnaious, Tyfloseli and Gardiki, which were
inhabited by various people like merchants, shepherds, craftsmen of woollen overcoats
and others, that is to say, small industry owners"
(Kasomoulis Nikolaos, Military Memorabilia of the Greek Revolution 1821-1823,
The History of the Armatolic Coup).
The villages of the southern Pindos are inhabited all year round. The type
of cattle-breeding and the economy they had developed did not demand the regular
transfer of the families. A great number of residents and mainly the families
of craftsmen, the small farmers but also the cattle-breeders lived in the villages
in winter, almost isolated from the rest of the world and working exclusively
on their products.
It is noticeable that during the Turkish Occupation, the men on Pindos
never had to wear a fez and women lived a more liberal life compared to women
in the plains.
The domination of Ali Pasha of Ioannina in 1758 brought about many
changes to the villages of Aspropotamos. When Ali Pasha was appointed "dervetzis"
of Thessaly (i.e. chief of the army that was responsible for the safety of the
mountainous roads and passages) by Pili, the Turks started interfering with the
affairs of the mountainous villages. To start with, many families from Epirus
had to give up their villages during the peak of Ali Pasha's ruling - Chimara
in north Epirus, Syrrako,
Kalarites, Matsouki
- and settled down in the villages of Pindos. Finally, many of the poorest villages
of Aspropotamos had to yield to Ali Pasha and his followers and become big estates.
Some other people were forced to pay rent to have their cattle grazing in the
grasslands of their ancestors, like the residents of Pertouli, Pyrra, Agios
Nikolaos, Drosochori, Gardiki
and Athamania, whereas
some others were forced to leave. The latter were wealthy elders, chief shepherds,
merchants and craftsmen. They left in groups or alone with their families who
were depended on them, like the family of Gousios Chatzipetros, an active eminent
chief shepherd and woollies’ merchant in Neraidochori.
The Chatzipetraioi fall into disgrace with Ali, after refusing to
cooperate and submit to him. The family was economically ruined and in 1812 the
two younger Gousios’ sons, Giannakis and Christodoulos Chatzipetros sought a better
fortune in Serres, where
the family was into business. Cristodoulos Chatzipetros travelled to Vienna with
other merchants from Serres, where he met Napoleon as part of a Greek delegation
and asked him to help to liberate Greece. Some years later, in 1817, Christodoulos
Chatzipetros worked in the royal court of Ali Pasha, offering his services as
a secretary. In order to understand how massive the exodus from the villages of
Pindos was, due to the way Ali Pasha ruled, a comparison , for the period 1806-1815,
between the population data given by F. Pouqeville and the demographic facts of
Trikki code in 1820, that was drawn up by Ali Pasha for tax reasons, would suffice.
In Gardiki only 70 out of 120 families remained, in Neraidochori only 40 out of
300, in Desi 70 out
of 80, in Athamania 28 only out of 80 whereas in Drosochori and Agios Nikolaos
only 40 out of 300.
Ali Pasha's fall and his death in 1822 did not exempt the mountainous
villages from the disasters, since his death coincided with the beginning of the
Greek Revolution. The destruction of villages and the exodus of the inhabitants
continued. In June 1823 the Turkish-Albanian troops, under the command of Selictar
Boda or Poda, tried to invade Aspropotamos. They set off from Pili and moved on
to the villages of the Vlachs, looting and destroying everything in their way.
The inhabitants left their homes and moved to the mountains that were a lot safer.
The villages of Pertouli, Neraidochori and Pyrra were completely destroyed. When
Nikolaos Kassomoulis visited these villages in 1826 he couldn't even recognise
the bedrocks of the houses. Their inhabitants had been waiting for better days
for no less than 18 years. Some of them had left and spread in modern Greece.
The villages of Pindos played an equally major role during the German
Occupation and the National Resistance. The mountainous zone belonged to the free
Greece and there were the headquarters of E.A.M. - E.L.A.S. and the central offices
of the common General Headquarters of the resisting organisations E.L.A.S. – E.D.E.M.
- E.K.K.A of the English.
This text is cited June 2005 from the Municipality of Ethikon URL below, which contains image
ETOLIKO (Town) IERA POLIS MESSOLONGIOU
The first residents must have been fishermen. In 1204 this island
was given to the Venetians. Then, from 1370 to 1821, it belonged successively
to lord Boua, lord Spata, lord Griva, the Venetians, the Turks, Morozini and to
the Turks.
This text is cited December 2004 from the West Greece Region General Secretariat URL below, which contains images.
FINIKI (Village) ASSOPOS
According to Kourtion (History of ancient Greece p.214) the name comes from Finikes "According to Maleon abound are Finikes, so years now the memorial village is called Finiki". So it is ancient. The settlement should have been established then, when the sea reached there or even higher, before the land was turned to a plain after the illuviations. The Finikes (850 bc) had established a merchant station to exploit and monopolize the exceptional quality of the purple shells, which, as Pafsanias mentions were found only on the beaches of Lakonias.
During the Byzantine Years, the habitants preferred the position of today's Krisa, where there are ruins of buildings and the Church of the Assumption of Virgin Mary with an exceptional painting of Hers. During the Tourkish seisin, the habitants were transferred higher, today?s position. There was a density of Turkish population, which was attracted there by the plenteous water. The Turks treated the local Christians in a good manner. During the Greek Revolution the habitants took part in a lot of battles, such as the siege of Monambasia, and offered a lot of services.
This text is cited Apr 2003 from the Municipality of Assopos URL below.
GALATADES (Small town) GIANNITSA
The village of Galatades is one of the oldest in the area. This is
based on the old church of Agios Athanasios where there is an icon of Virgin's
Annunciation with the year 1806 written on it. The village is built in higher
elevation than the surrounding areas and it was protected from the water of the
bog which there was in its south side. That way, in 1979 when the area was flooded
by the water of the Moglenitsas river, the village of Galatades was like an island
in a lake.
The old name of Galatades was Kadinovo. This name comes from the Turkish
adjudicator (kadis in Turkish) who had his residence in the village. Kadinovo
became a community on 28-6-1918 with the headquarters in Kariotissa
and concluded the villages Mparinovo (Liparo),
Prisna (Krya Vrysi), Plougar (does not exist any more), Kariotissa and Losanovo
(Palefito). According
to the census of the year 1920 Kadinovo had 320 residents, who dealt with the
agriculture and stockbreeding.
During the Macedonian Struggle, the village fighters of the families
Stogiannidis and Harisiadis used to meet at Narisidis' house and under the leadership
of the chieftain Gonos Giotas, they planned their activities against Turks and
Bulgarians. Gonos Giotas' father came from Galatades and he had a hovel-base of
operations in the bog, at the point Prisna. During the liberation of the village
on 18-10-1918 Turks killed two Greek mounted soldiers. The residents buried them
in the village and set a hero's tomb for them.
In 1924 refugees came from the village Examili of the Kallipoli
peninsula of Eastern Thrace. The name of the village changed into Galatades (Milkmen)
because of the great milk production of that time. The vastly area of the bog
was ideal for the breeding of the 9.000 cows and even more sheep and goats that
the residents had. Galatades became a separate community on 25-8-1933 and it has
a steady increase of population. In 1928 it had 846 residents, in 1940 it had
1286, in 1961 it had 1684 and in 1991 it had 2039 residents. Today, it is the
biggest village of the municipality with about 2300 residents. In Galatades has
been functioned a school since the close of the 19th century. The residents report
that the first teacher was Christ Doumis. A clinic functioned in the village as
well, by the doctor Mr. Tselios from Thessaloniki.
After the exsiccation of the Giannitsa lake, in the mid '30s, the residents of
the Plougar village moved in Galatades and Krya Vrysi equally.
The history of Galatades changed dramatically the last 35 years. The
year 1970 is a milestone in village's evolution, because that year Philopimin
Gratsios brought to Galatades the cultivation of asparagus. The successful cultivation
and the higher quality of the local asparagus, made Galatades the "capital"
of the production and trade of the Greek asparagus. Finally, an other point of
report for Galatades, is the year 1998, when it was appointed to be the headquarters
of the newly established Municipality of Alexander the Great.
This text is cited May 2005 from the Municipality of Megas Alexandros URL below
GARGALIANI (Small town) MESSINIA
It is not clearly known when the town was built or from whom it got
its name. In the Venetian maps it is referred to with the name "GURGULIA".
Fr. Poukevil, who visited Gargaliani in 1805 says about it: "It does not
seem that this large village was more populated in the ancient times than it is
nowadays, since historians have forgotten about this place of the country which
is between Kiparissia
and Pilos." However,
it is certain that in Gargaliani during the post-roman era (150 AD- 950 AD) there
was a small settlement. This was testified by the Ancient Tombs which were discovered
in 1933 as well as large jar ditches in the north of the town, called "Anemomilos".
The various findings from the graves and ditches are from that period. There is
no doubt that the whole of the town plus the previous Municipality of Platamodas
and now Municipality of
Gargaliani was inhabited in prehistoric times.
There have been traces of inhabitants during the following:
•Proto-Hellenic period (3000-2000 BC) in Orntines, 7 km northwest of Gargaliani,
above the Lagouvardos Bay and near the south bank of the river.
•Mid-Hellenic period (2000-1600 BC) in Tsouka, 3 km east of Gargaliani, in
Kantamo 4km south of the town and in Kanalos, 4 km west of Gargaliani.
•Post-Hellenic period (1600-1400 BC) in Lagos, 7.5 km east of Gargaliani.
•Classic Years in Davanos, 2.5 km south of Gargaliani
•Hellenistic Years in Chouchlasti, 4 km west of Gargaliani.
•Roman Years in Vrisomilos, 7 km south of Gargaliani.
•Byzantine Years in Koutsouveri, 2.5 km north of Gargaliani.
During the Homeric Years the whole of the Municipality belonged to
the kingdom of Nestor. In ancient times, 6 kms southwest from Gargaliani in Dialiskari
there was a big and important town. Studying the various findings it is concluded
that the town was inhabited from the 4th century BC up to the 7th century AD.
During the Venetian Times, Gargaliani became part of the Arcadia region (TERRITORIO)
of Methoni prefecture and then of Messinia prefecture. In the Venetian scripts
of that time the town is referred to as GARGALIANO, which according to the historian
Paul Karolidis comes from the name Gargalos or Gargalianos and according to the
journalist M. Rodas, it comes from the Venetian exile in the area named GARGALIANO.
History (2nd Part)
At the beginning of the second Turkish Domination (1715) the Cathedral
of the town, "Virgin Mary's Birth" was completed; the building of it had started
during the Venetian times. One of the most important historical events of that
period (1715-1821) is the revolution of the Greek slavery against the Turks in
1770, which although it was encouraged by Russia, it did not get the Russian support
with failing as a result. In order to control that revolution, the Turkish Marshal
pasha Moustafa set off from Larissa,
he came all the way to Trifillia
and having controlled the revolution there, continued from Kiparissia to Gargaliani,
where he camped with 20,000 Turkish and Albanian infantrymen and horsemen. From
then he moved towards Neokastro (Pilos).
At the end of the 18th century, the senior-archimandrite Archbishop
of Christianoupoli Anthimos Andrianopoulos was appointed as the notable and chief
of Gargaliani. His brother Ioannis or Anagnostis served in the Russian Army and
he got up to the rank of a major. During that time the desert island Proti
which is opposite Gargaliani was used as a hideout by wild pirates, both local
and from other areas who found shelter in the bays, the rocks and the caves. The
security of the country had been disturbed since the Orlof period. During that
time Gargaliani was the headquarters of the Ottoman court. There is written evidence
that the Albanian cadi (judge) of Gargaliani arbitrarily decapitated six innocent
Gargaliani citizens in 1770.
On the eve of the Great Revolution, there were 1,000 residents in
Gargaliani, the houses were covered with shiny, red tiles and their gardens had
beautiful cypress-trees. Poukevil describes the scenery with the following words:
"Small mountains covered with vineyards, a scene full of picturesque forests,
the sweetness in the air smelling of countless flowers, the beautiful view of
the sea, make this place the most attractive in the whole of Messinia".
In 1812 the first school was established in Gargaliani, with teacher
the relative and fellow citizen of the national martyr Archbishop Grigorio the
5th, Mr. Kallinikos Kastorchis, who later became the principal of Kalamata and
later Archbishop of Fthiotida
and Lokrida.
During the Greek Revolution the political leader of the town was Antonios
Loukas, owner of a large property, who contributed to the development of the Revolution
with great amounts of money, the Army chief was Captain Dionisios Agapinos who
served throughout the Revolution with 50 local fighters under his supervision.
The Agapinos' family along with Dimitrios Papachristofilou were members of the
Society of Friends. Telos Agras, the famous chieftain of the Macedonian War was
their descendant and he got murdered by the Bulgarians; his real name was Sarantelos
Telas or Sarantos Agapinos. King Othon awarded the fighter Dionisios Agapinos
a medal and certificate of national gratitude.
The following fighters of the Revolution survived and were awarded
a distinction by king Othon: Theodoros Alexopoulos, Dimitrios Anagnostopoulos,
Ioannis Anagnostopoulos, Konstantinos Anagnostopoulos, Theodoros Vlachadamopoulos,
Panayiotis Diakoumopoulos, Nikolaos Kotaras, Athanasios Kousoulas, Athanasios
Krekoukias, Kostas Kritharas, Dimitrios Konstantinou, Georgios Nikolopoulos, Dionisios
Nikolopoulos, Athanasios Pantelopoulos, Georgios Papadimopoulos, Antonios Papachristofilopoulos,
Georgios Petropoulos, Dionisios Petropoulos, Spiridon Petropoulos, Georgios Skiadas,
Nikolaos Skoutzopoulos, Theodoros Chronopoulos, Dimitrios Christofilogiannopoulos.
After the disembarkation of Ibrahem's Egyptian Army in February 1825,
Gargaliani, due to its geographical position, became a passing-through place of
warriors heading for Neokastro (Pilos) and Old Navarino.
Ioannis Makrigiannis rushed to the castles, which were in danger and
under the government's orders, when he reached Gargaliani he recruited. As he
saw 1,600 men from the area of Gargaliani recruiting, he writes being moved: "They
are such decent people although they are few and far away". It was here in Gargaliani
that he met with his brother Petrobei Katzi, went to church, and took the Holy
Communion in the Church of Virgin Mary and set off for Navarino.
Between 1825 and until 1828 and during the numerous attacks of Ibrahem
to Trifillia, his army ransacked, burned down and destroyed Gargaliani and the
surrounding area including the whole plain of Trifillia. On the 23rd May 1825
Ibrahem himself with his army set off at 7am from Filiatra
came to Gargalianoi and left through Lagoudisti (Chora) to Neokastro and Methoni.
The residents of the town had found shelter in Kontovounia, Soulimohoria and Zourtsa
following the government's order. On October 7th 1825, Ibrahem with 23,000 soldiers
invaded the plain of Trifillia and ransacked it until Kiparissia and mountainous
Trifillia through Pilos. The Egyptian Army did a new invasion on Trifillia from
Neokastro on 28th October 1827 during which Gargaliani along with the rest of
the area got ransacked and everybody who was there, unarmed and powerless got
killed. In the church of Virgin Mary there is an icon, which still shows the signs
of his atrocities. A lot of families, women and children in particular, had found
shelter in the Ionian Islands
and mainly in Zante throughout
the revolution from where they returned after the liberation.
The population of the town went through terrible difficulties because
of Ibrahem's repeated ransacks. The houses were burned and the land destroyed.
They had to start from scratch with no money or income. That is why after the
liberation, the citizens asked from the government to support them financially
for their agricultural needs.
After the liberation, in February 1829, the members of the French
Scientific Delegation following Marshal N. MAISON coming from Navarino, visited
Gargaliani. The French impressed by the warm welcome wrote in their report: "In
Gargaliani we made contact with the local people (the Greek people) and we feel
obliged to restore the bad reputation immediately which had been forced to form,
because we heard them slandering and because almost everywhere we only came across
beggars, weak and dirty people". This 'report' from the French, informed
us that from the 1,000 citizens of Gargaliani only 250 survived after the war.
After the liberation, Gargaliani kept improving and king Othon visited the town
on October 4th 1833, he stayed in Dionisios Skilodimas residence and on February
14th 1838 he and Amalia went back to Gargaliani and that time they stayed in Theodoros
Alexopoulos residence, an elder fighter.
The main product of the area until the 2nd World War was raisin, with
its production reaching 9,000 Venetian kilolitres.
Gargaliani started to develop mainly after 1850, when the raisin plantations
multiplied from year to year, but from 1893 the raisin trade started going through
great difficulties and it was then that many people immigrated from Gargaliani
to America. Among these was Theofrastos S. Anagnostopoulos, who immigrated in
1906 and lived in Baltimore, USA and later had a son, Spiros Agniou, who became
the Vice President of the USA.
In the more recent history of Gargaliani and of the whole nation,
the young second lieutenant and Macedonian warrior-leader captain Telos Agras
(Sarantis Agapinos) stuck out. The following iconographers coming from Gargaliani
are also important to be mentioned: Ioannis G. Tabakis and Alexandros A. Diakoumopoulos.
Gargaliani paid a big death toll during the last wars (1912-1913, 1918-1922, 1940-1944)
until the final National settlement.
In the more recent years Dimitrios V. Briskas, the brother of the
Professor in Paris University Sotirios Briskas became a great benefactor. The
money he sent from the city FORT LAUDERDALE in America, was used to build the
Briskios City Library and the city Athletics Centre of Gargaliani.
This text is cited Oct 2003 from the Municipality of Gargaliani URL below
GAZI (Municipality) HERAKLIO
The archeological data in Gazi and the neighboring settlements indicate the significance of the area since Minoan times. North from the settlement, at the mouth of the river it is considered to be the seaport of Tylissos at mid-Minoan III and late Minoan period. Nearby the settlement, Minoan statuettes were found, which according to professor Marinato represent solely one goddess, in different capacities: The Snake Goddess, the Pigeon Goddess (of the sky and love), the Poppy Goddess (of health and euphoria), the Goddess of War. Both in Kavrochori and Agia Marina settlement, there have been located remains of residential settlement of late Minoan Period III, Archaic and Hellenistic period. In addition, there were found tombs of late Minoan Period III with box-shaped sarcophagus (Gazi, Skafidara and Kavrochori). Finally, in the gorge of Almyros river there are ruins of churches dated back to 14th century.
In history texts of Venetian occupation period we meet the first references to the settlements of Gazi, Kavrochori, Kalessa. Venetian monuments are the Tris Eklisies (the three churches), the ruins in Almyros gorge, which date from 14th century, Agios Panteleymonas monastery and different Venetian mansions that are scattered at the settlements of Rodia, Pantanassa and Palaiokastro.
This extract is cited Oct 2002 from the Municipality of Gazi URL below.
GYPSOCHORI (Settlement) PELLA
The church of Agios Athanasios (1851) bears witness to the age of
Gypsohori. Unfortunately, there are no written records about its history. Nobody
knows precisely how Gypsohori named after. According to a version, this name is
ascribed to Bey’s daughter, Yupsan, who lived in the village. The whole settlement
was assigned by this name. Later, the village was named Yupsovo. At the point,
where the town square is situated nowadays, there was the Bey's lodgings. It was
a big, two-storey building that was pulled down in the mid years of 20th century.
It's said that there was a second lodging at the entrance of the village.
During the Macedonian Struggle, the residents had intensively participated
in the attempt for freedom of the area from Turkish and Bulgarian rule. In the
exceptional historical novel "In the secrets of the bog" by Penelope
Delta, many names of fighters from Gypsohori are reported. In 1928 refugees from
the Black Sea area moved to the village. The community of Gypsohori was constituted
in 1951 and it included the settlement of Trifili.
However, in 1977 the authorities were transported to Trifili and the new community
of Trifili was constituted, including the village of Gypsohori as a settlement.
This text is cited May 2005 from the Municipality of Megas Alexandros URL below
HERAKLIO (Town) CRETE
Archaic - Classical - Hellenistic Period: During the ancient years the
main city was, without any doubt, Knossos. However, there must have existed a
kind of settlement, north of Knossos, near the city today, on a hill and at some
distance away from the sea with the name Heraklion. Archaeological remains from
the archaic, classical and Hellenistic period come to light, from time to time,
from different areas of the old city (area of Daidalou, Idomeneos, Meramvellou,
Xanthoudidou, D.Bofor and Epimenidou str.), mainly after excavations and earthworks
that take place before a new building is being erected, under the supervision
of the relevant Archaeological Service.
Roman Period: For this period the information about the city becomes richer.
Strabo, (even though he hadn't visited Crete) reports in "Geographica" that Heraklion
was the seaport of Knossos. A great number of important finds (mobile or otherwise)
of this period come mainly from graves but also from building complexes. The most
characteristic of the latter comes from the excavation of the museum's new plot
which preserves six mosaic floors in a very good condition.
First Byzantine Period: During this period (330 A.D to 824 A.D.) when Crete
becomes a "thema" (part) of the Byzantine empire and Gortyna the administrative,
military and religious centre, the settlement was known by the name "Castro".
Unfortunately due to lack of evidence for this period, but also of important archaeological
finds, it is difficult for someone to have a full picture of the town at that
period. During these years the whole island was being hit by pirate raids and
by natural distractions (earthquakes) that had as a result the decline and even
the disappearance of towns as urban centres.
The Arab Conquest: In 824 A.D. Castro was surrendered to its conquerors,
after Arab raids and the debarkation of the Arabs themselves on the island (822
A.D.-823 A.D.) that aimed at the gradual conquest of Crete. To this situation
contributed also the fact that the Byzantine state (empire) suffered continuous
disputes and internal upheavals. The town was now known as Rabdh el Khandac, meaning
the Fortress of the Trench, since the Arabs, along with their settlement, in order
to be protected, built a wall of raw bricks and around it they dug a deep trench
(Khandaq). From this name derived the later ones: Chandakas, of the Second Byzantine
period and Candia of the Venetian period. Chandakas which became the capital of
the island when Gortyna was deserted, occupied an area from Daidalou, Chandakos
str., the sea front, Epimenidou str., and part of Freedom Square. The Arabs developed
their own civilization on Crete, like the one of their contemporaries. They had
their own mint, a developed metal work, ceramic work and well built buildings.
A lot of information for the architecture and their life style has been revealed
during the excavation that took place in the old Kastella, east of the Church
of St. Peter and St. Paul.
2nd Byzantine Period - The recovery of Crete by the Byzantines: The Byzantines
tried continuously to recover Crete, without though any success. In 826 A.D. the
Byzantine General Krateros attempted, unfortunately unsuccessfully, a campaign
against the Arabs. The area of the battle and the shattering of the Byzantine
army by the Arabs, a few kilometers east of Heraklion, preserves even today the
name of the heroic General (Karteros).
Nikiforos Fokas: In 960 A.D. the General of the Byzantine army and the
later emperor Nikiforos Fokas campaigned against the Arabs. With armed forces,
fully equipped, he manages to liberate the whole island and to restrict the Arabs
into the well fortified Chandakas. After a siege of many months, in the spring
of 961 A.D. a general attack took place from the Byzantine and the mercenary troops
which resulted in the successful recovery of the city. Many Arabs were killed
or were taken prisoners, during the battle, as victims of the soldiers' brutality
in spite of Nikiforos Fokas' opposite instructions. The General himself took the
emir and his family to Constatinople, where they were honoured by the Byzantines.
The emir' s son adopted Christianity and served the emperor. Nikiforos Fokas,
on his way out of Chandakas, took with him a large amount of valuable booty that
the Arabs had gathered in the town. Nikiforos Fokas, in his aim to create a new
area, more secure for its citizens, since Chandakas was almost flattened, and
the fortification wall had, in a big part, been destroyed, built a new fort a
few kilometers to the south (near Kanli Kastelli). The new, though, settlers did
not wish to leave the deserted and destroyed Chandakas, since, apart from other
reasons, that city, due to its position, could serve their needs more.
The reconstruction of the city - Megalo Kastro: A second Byzantine Period
starts that will last until 1204 A.D. In Chandakas, now known by the name Kastro
(term for a fortified city or fortress) is settled by new settlers that come from
the elite Byzantine families, the higher lords, the army and the political administrative
body. The city is being rebuilt almost from the start, public and private buildings
are being erected, while the fortification wall is being repaired and completed
and the port is organized on a serious base. The administrative centre must have
been situated in the area where in the later years the Loggia, the Basilica of
St. Marc and the palace of the dukes were built by the Venetians (which is around
the area of 25th August str.). As far as the Byzantine fortification is concerned,
it is almost certain that in many of its parts it was based on the already existing
Arab stone foundation, parts of which came to light after excavations in building
plots along Daidalou str. for the erection of new buildings. A characteristic
of the fortification wall was the towers and the straight parts in between them.
The city, during this period, with the fortress and the port from which trade
was taking place with markets out of Crete, was the most important one on the
whole island. It had a growing economy and quiet rightly is referred to as Megalo
Kastro, a name that is still in the memory of the older Heraklion people. A very
big number of movable finds (coins, excellent samples of glazed ceramic work)
has come to light from excavations and earth works in different parts of the city.
At the same time building complexes, two large public baths, built with special
care, in Koronaiou and in Chortatson str., cisterns and graves were uncovered.
The city gradually starts to expand towards the south creating different suburbs.
Venetian Period: In 1204 A.D., the year of the fall of Constatinople and
basically the disruption of the Byzantine Empire by the Crusades, the Megalo Kastro,
as the whole island passed into Venetian hands, after certain agreements. The
Venetians, being at the same time engaged with the occupation of other areas,
did not give the proper attention and significance and this had as a result for
Crete to pass into the hands of the General Pirate Erricos Pescatore. Due to the
special geographical position and importance of the island, the Venetians did
not want to lose that possession, so after a lot of adventures, they will become
once again in 1211 the sovereigns of the island, a rule that will last until 1669.
Crete became one whole administrative district with the name "Kingdom of Candia"
(Regno di Candia). For the first 150 years there will be a lot of revolutions
from the Cretan's side, a fact that proves that the people did not submit without
any protest in the Venetian domination and servitude. After 1367 Crete starts
to live a rather peaceful period.
Castro - Candia: The Castro, which is now named Candia by the Venetians,
became the capital of the island, the seat of every Duke and all the other authorities,
the centre of the intellectual and artistic life. The city becomes one of the
most important urban centres of that period in the whole eastern Mediterranean.
The city continues to be expanded out of the limits of the old fortification,
creating strongly the need of a new one that would include the suburbs.
New Fortification: The new walls with their monumental portals form a representative
characteristic of the fortification art and even today they form one of the most
significant monuments of the kind in the Mediterranean basin. The city port with
the arsenals is also one of the most important commercial centre in the area from
where a lot of Cretan products (wine, olive oil, cheese) are exported and traded
in the biggest European markets.
Artistic movement: Other sections also flourished like painting (in the
16th century the well known Cretan school is formed and Dominikos Theotokopoulos,
the later El Greco starts his art work), literature, poetry, theatre with astonishing
examples in every domain creating a special Cretan cultural idiom in the area.
Architecture:
The architecture is another section of development and flourishing which is represented in public and private buildings as is the dukes' palace, the venetian metropolitan church of St.Mark with its bell tower (today used as a municipal gallery where important exhibitions take place as was the one of The Portaits of Fayium). The "Loggia" (the Noble's Club during the Venetian period) is used today as part of the Town Hall. Various Venetian and Orthodox churches, fountains are some of the monuments that still exist even today in the old town. We shouldn't though forget that all this flourishing that took place in that period was realized with the hard work of simple Cretan people.
The Turkish threat: A new superpower comes at that time to the front that
is going to bring a real upheaval in the "status quo" and it is the Ottoman Empire.
In 1645 the Turkish fleet appears in the Cretan coastline and gradually one town
after the other passes into the hands of the new conquerors. Chandakas resists
for more than 20 years and the siege around the city's fortress comes to an end
after a betrayal by the Venetian - Cretan mechanic Andreas Barotsis who revealed
to the Turkish pasha Ahmet Kioprouli the weakest parts of the fortress (in the
eastern and the western part, in the bastion of Sabbionara and the bastion of
St. Andreas).
Castro under the Turkish occupation: Crete was made part of a new "egialeti",
that means of a new administrative region of the Ottoman Empire that had Chandakas
as a "capital", now called Kandiye or Kastro by the Turks. In the city there are
all the official services, the seat of the "Grammatikos", that is of the interpreter
of the "Pyli". Chandakas was almost totally destroyed and ravaged. A lot of extended
repairs were done in buildings and in the fortification wall, while most of the
churches were made into mosques. New fountains are built in different parts of
the city in order to confront the problem of lack of water. The last period's
cultural flourishing stopped, while there is a similar decline in the economy
and the trade. From the beginning, though, of the 18th century we could note a
steady development and a change in the economic life of the city with the participation
of Christians in various commercial activities. The revolutions during this period
did not stop, proving by this the desire of Cretan people for freedom and re-union
with Greece.
19th century: In the first decades of the next century the city changed
name into Herakleia and later Heraklion, as it is known today. Turks transferred
the capital of the island from Heraklion to Chania, without this implying the
decline of Heraklion which is developing into one of the most important urban
centres of that period with a great commercial and economic flourishing. The last
page of the Turkish occupation took place in Heraklion in August 1898 when enraged
Turks attacked and slaughtered hundreds of unarmed Christians together with 17
English soldiers and the English Consul Lyssimachos Kalokairinos. In November
of the same year the last Turkish soldier leaves the island, while the next month
the High Commissioner Prince George is embarked in Souda (Chania) and the "Kritiki
Politeia" (Cretan State) is founded by the "high protection" of England, Italy,
France and Russia until 1913 when the union with Greece is being achieved.
20th century: With the dawn of the 20th century a new era for Crete starts.
Heraklion is being rapidly developed, its population is also increasing (urbanism)
and by extension its housing needs are being multiplied. And all these happen
many times at the expense of the historical character of the town. In the name
of modernization, of development and progress a lot of monuments of the historical
centre of the city are being demolished without any planning while at the same
time the fortifications are being seriously changed without any way of going back
to their previous state. The historical Heraklion lives in the rhythm of a big
modern city, day to day though, it becomes more obvious the need of keeping the
bonds with the past by preserving and demonstrating its monuments.
Kallia Nikolidakis, ed., Archaeologist of Heraklion Municipality
This text is cited Nov 2003 from the Municipality of Heraklion URL below.
IGOUMENITSA (Town) THESPROTIA
(Following URL information in Greek only)
IKARIA (Island) NORTH AEGEAN
The island of Icaria was inhabited as far back as the Stone Age, as
evidenced by archaeological data. Much later early Greek-speaking tribes like
the Carians, the Leleges and the Pelasgians made their appearance. There is evidence
of both Minoan and Phoenician sea masters of the early period. In the 8th c. BC.
Ionians came from Miletus,
a rich city of Asia Minor,
but it was their ill-luck to be enslaved by the Persians in 512 B.C.
With the eclipse of Persian power, Icaria became an ally of Athens
and a member of the Athenian Alliance. During this time the first cities were
established. Very close to present-day Therma
was the ancient settlement at Therma, though few ruins are to be seen today.
The remains of Drakanon,
another ancient city, are to be found on the eastern cape of the island. The acropolis,
crowned by a beautiful castle is believed to date from the Hellenistic period,
the time of Alexander.
On the northern side of the island are the ruins of Oinoe,
once the capital city, near the modern village of Kampos.
Ancient walls, an aqueduct and parts of a building called "the Palace",
are still preserved, and other finds have been collected at the local museum.
Finally, on the northwestern point, is the floor and a few broken
columns of a temple to the goddess Artemis. The village is still called "Nas",
a contraction of the Greek word "naos", a place of worship. At the time
that this floor was in use, Icaria was rich and prosperous.
In the years of Alexander the Great, and later when his successor
were engaging in ceaseless, wars, Icaria was plagued by the pirates who took advantage
of the confusion to raid and plunder the Aegean islands. The population dropped,
while others from Samos and
Leros came and settled. Finally,
Icaria became a part of the Kingdom of Pergamus,
in time to be swallowed up by the Roman Empire in 133 B.C.
The Roman general Pompey temporarily relieved Icaria from a new irruption
of pirates, but with the end of the Roman Empire, Icaria fell into decay.
Improvement came with the Byzantines, refugees from the invasions,
Maltese and Genoese sought safety here, and before long, 70,000 people were living
on Icaria.
After the fall of Constantinople
to the Franks in 1904 A.D. Venice took several islands, including Icaria. Until
1362 the island was owned by the Venetian Franks and later, by the Genoese. The
Ionian Knights of Rhodes
took over until the Turks captured the island in 1521. During the early years
of the Turkish occupation, the inhabitants took to hiding in caves and steep places.
In the 19th century local government brought great progress to Icaria,
organizing schools, a just taxation system and encouraging the development of
farming and navigation. During the Greek Revolution of 1821, many Icarians joined
the "Filiki Etairia" - the so-called "Friendly Society" which
nourished ideas of Greek independence - and they took an active part in the struggle.
In 1911, Italy went to war
with Turkey, and took over
the Dodecanese as far as
neighbouring Patmos.
Now the Icarians were ready to take their fate into their own hands.
With the support of the new Greek government, they rebelled and declared independence
on 17 July, 1912. They established a free state with its own army, police, stamps
and national anthem. On November 4, 1912, Icaria was united with Greece,
the mother country.
(text: MOUGIANNIS DIMITRIOS)
This text (extract) is cited July 2003 from the Municipality
of Agios Kirikos tourist pamphlet.
The Ikarian writer Eparchidis wrote the history of Ikaria but few
fragments have been found. The first reference to Ikaria is that of Strabo, according
to which people of Miletus
“cosettled” in Ikaria and also colonized the Black
Sea and the West Mediterranean.
Earlier on, the great divinity of the Ikarians was Dionysos who was
connected to the cultivation of the vine (Pramnian wine is mentioned in Homer’s
epics). The other divinity was Artemis in the area of Nas,
which today belongs to the Municipality
of Raches.
Many historical pieces from Classical, Hellenistic and Byzantine times
are exhibited in the Museum of Kampos.
Many samples of capitals in blue granite with bas-relief goat heads have also
been preserved in Ikaria: the goat being the dominant domestic animal of the island
and known as “ρασκό ριφάκι” (the wild, free-grazing goat). The
Ikarians were also members of the Athenian Alliance.
Ikarian seamen in the fleet of Alexander the Great persuaded him to
name “Ikaria” one of the seventeen islands in the Persian
Gulf.
This text (extract) is cited January 2004 from the Evdilos
Municipal Cultural Organization tourist pamphlet.
During the Byzantine period, Ikaria was placed under the Genoese Maona
of Chios. The resistance of
the Ikarians is referred as: “The wealthy left the island and went to Chios,
the Crimea and Africa (Egypt),
whereas the poor took to the hills”.
Following this, Ikarians resisted Turkish agha over a cliff in the
palanquin “with its bells ringing”, taking on full responsibility
for their act, and saying: “We all did it, master”.
During the liberation war of 1821, the Ikarians, initiated into the
Filiki Eteria, abolished Turkish rule and accepted refugees from Chios.
Again in 1912 Ikarians, on their own initiative, expelled the Turkish
guard and proclaimed the island’s independence and Ikaria administered itself
as a free state under its own constitution for five months by a Revolutionary
Committee, until it joined Greece.
In 1945 Ikaria, again under its own strength, freed itself from the
Italian domination.
This text (extract) is cited January 2004 from the Evdilos
Municipal Cultural Organization tourist pamphlet.
KALYMNOS (Island) DODEKANISSOS
There have been few archaeological findings to shed light on who the
first inhabitants of the island of Kalymnos were. At about the 2nd Millenium BC
Kalymnos was conquered and colonized by the Phoenicians.
Evidence of the island’s prosperity during those prehistoric
times are the ruins at Emporio
and Vathi on the East side
of the island.
Later we find Kalymnos under the yoke of different conquerors: the
Persians, the Venetians, the Genoese, the Knights of the Order of Saint John,
the Turks, and the Italians from 1912 until nearly the end of the 2nd World War.
Kalymnos was finally liberated on March 31, 1947 and was incorporated along with
the rest of the Dodecanese Islands
into the Greek Nation in 1948.
This text (extract) is cited November 2003 from the Municipality
of Kalymnos tourist pamphlet.
KARIOTISSA (Small town) GIANNITSA
The Old Kariotissa was situated at the shore of the lake of Giannitsa
5km southern from present place of the village. Kariotissa was the head of Kadinovo
community since 28-6-1918. There were 50 families at the village with the population
of 293 residents according to the census of 1920. The self-sufficiency was the
main characteristic of their lives. They were dealing with agriculture and stockbreeding.
There was plenty of hunting and timber in the bog, which were covering their needs.
Very impressive were three hills of 20m height in the village, which were used
by the Turkish people as observation posts and four "koules" (mansions)
which only one of them is still standing.
In July of 1924 they moved to the new location of the present village,
refugees from Neohori of Zerkos province in Eastern Thrace, according to the treaty
of Lausanne (1923) about the exchange of the populations between Greece and Turkey.
Their life in Neohori and the adventure of the refugees is described beautifully
in the book "1924-1999, 75 years of the community of New Kariotissa"
which was published by the Cultural Association of the village. The situations
the about 850 refugees faced in this boggy place were tragical. The release of
the place from malaria achieved by the drying of the lake in 1935, raised the
births and gave the opportunity to the people of the village to have new wealthy
land. After the German occupation, the modernization of Kariotissa was continues
and with 1798 residents in 1961, Kariotissa became the headquarters of the area,
with a Police Station, a Post Office and a Medical Centre.
This text is cited May 2005 from the Municipality of Megas Alexandros URL below, which contains image
KASSOS (Island) DODEKANISSOS
(Following URL information in Greek only)
KEA (Island) KYKLADES
The oldest myth traces back to a distant time when the natural and
climatic conditions of Kea were different from those of historical times: luxuriant
vegetation, abundance of water, a cool and wet climate. It was an ideal place
for the the residence of Nymphs, who used to dwell near the numerous springs in
the forests, confirming the belief that they embodied the liquid elements. Hydroussa
turns out to be the previous name of the island. The period of welfare for Hydroussa
came to a violent end: a terrifying lion appeared in the mountains and chased
the terror - stricken Nymphs who, seeking safety, took shelter on the northern
coast, and from there escaped to Karystos.
The consequences were disastrous for the island. Prolonged periods of dry spells
began: the water supply diminished. The island began its catastrophic decline.
According to mythology, Aristeus arrived in Kea at around the 16th
century B.C. He was the son of the God Apollo and the Nymph Kyrene. Aristeus offered
great services to the island. After having saved it from the draught, he organised
cattle raising and taught the inhabitants the methods of apiculture, olive processing
and other such skills. In gratitude, he was honoured as a god and given the name
of Aristeus Apollo. At the end of the 12th century B.C., the hero Keos came to
the island from Nafpaktos,
leading a group of Locrians.
According to the tale, Keos was of divine origin, since he was the
son of Apollo and the nymph Phodoessa. Keos occupied the island and named it after
him: Kea. By then the island was referred to by various other names, a.o. Hydroussa.
This text is cited May 2003 from the University of Patras' XENIOS DIAS website URL below.
The earliest signs of organised life in Kea date from the 4th millennium
B.C., at the end of the Neolithic Age and the outset of the early Bronze Age.
On the north - west coastline of the island, between the bays of Agios Nikolaos
and Otzias, overlooking the
small rugged Kefala peninsula, a cemetery and a settlement of 3.300 - 3.200 B.C.
was found. This immemorial burial ground forms the first testimony of systematic
burial in the entire Aegean Sea.
These finds, with their particular style, are, without a doubt, a first indication
of the dawning of the famous Cycladic Civilisation. They testify to the beginning
of a cultural influence and exchange between Kea and the Greek mainland. In approximately
2.500 B.C., when the Cycladic Civilisation enjoyed great prosperity, the settlement,
well structured and unfortified as all its Cycladic counterparts of the same era,
reached its apex.
After 2.000 B.C. the central settlement was fortified and reinforced,
at the expense of the scattered smaller ones. The emergence of the Minoan element
in this area became already obvious. The native civilisation withdrew for the
benefit of the Minoan, but the Cycladic "spirit" never ceased to perform its eternal
role on the island. Since the 16th century B.C., Kea served as a link of communication
and intervention between the Minoan and the new Mycenaean centre, which then started
to emerge.
This text is cited May 2003 from the University of Patras' XENIOS DIAS website URL below.
At the end of the 12th century B.C., the colonisation of Kea by Ionians from Attica seems to have started. With Thersidamas as their leader, they settled on the island and soon mixed with the native inhabitants. During the Geometric period (11th - 8th century B.C.) till the beginning of the Archaic period, the Ionian physionomy of ancient Keos was formed. The people of Keos contributed to the establishment of Delos as a Cycladic religious centre by their continuous participation in the great Ionian festivities in honour of Apollo. Towards the end of the 8th century, Keos fell under the influence and sovereignity of Eretria. During the Archaic period (7th - 6th century) four autonomous and independent cities were formed : Korissia, Ioulis, Poiessa and Karthaia. The classical period (5th - 4th century) showed a new rise in merchant-shipping. The port of Karthaia reached its peak, competing with that of Korissia. Up to this time, the island was dependent on Euboea and Attica. Now, however, it started having links with the islands of the whole Aegean Sea. The Persian Wars found Keos as part of a federation, fit for battle for the "benefit of one and all".
This text is cited May 2003 from the University of Patras' XENIOS DIAS website URL below.
For over 100 years the island was part of the historical stage when
the conflict between the Egyptian state of Ptolemaios and his descendents was
at its apex.
The port of Korissia
was an important base for the nautical operation, launched by the Ptolemaians
(after 267 B.C.) who dominated Keos for many years. After the reign of Antigonos
Gonatas, and to the detriment of the Ptolemaians (258 and 245 B.C.) invasions
and looting became more frequent. The island entered into alliances of equality
(sharing of provisions, political rights, trade transactions etc.) with the Aitolians
who, at that time, formed their League. Thus, temporarily, Keos ensured its own
defences.
After the interval of Macedonian domination (during 203 - 202 and
till 167 B.C.), the fate of Keos was controlled by the new ruler of the seas:
Rhodes. In the middle of
the 2nd century B.C., under Roman domination, Marcus Antonius donated the island
to the Athenians. Throughout the Hellenistic period, fear of invaders led to the
expansion of this protective network.
This text is cited May 2003 from the University of Patras' XENIOS DIAS website URL below.
Sources from the 7th century place Kea in the Byzantine "Thema" of
Greece, while ecclesiastically it had been a separate Diocese. In the 9th century,
the island was administered by the "Thema" of the Aegean Sea and restricted to
the inland areas for fear of pirates. In the 12th century a general improvement
in favour of Kea occured. To witness, the many edifices erected at that time,
particularly churches. Among the specialised craftsmen, whose fame exceeded the
bounds of the island, the name of Theophylaktos stands out. The subordination
of Kea was not achieved without a fight. In 1204, the island managed to repulse
the first attempt at invasion. However, in 1207, it succombed to superior forces
and was occupied. It was split into four equal parts, which were donated to Venetian
noblemen.
Overwhelmed by successive raids, Kea was occupied by the Turks in
1537. The Turks never really settled on the island. What is more, after the first
years of their occupation, the Turkish command turned out to be of a tolerant
kind, making for a certain kind of stability. They encouraged a settlement of
Albanians to compensate for the decrease in Kea's population (end of the 16th
century).
This text is cited May 2003 from the University of Patras' XENIOS DIAS website URL below.
The bishop of Kea, Nikodimos Roussos, was among the first, with Alexander Hypsilantis in Moldovlachia, to bless the declaration of the Revolution. At Easter 1821, while Tzia was celebrating Christ's resurrection, the priest Athanassios Chomtianos and members of the Filiki Heteria raised the flag of the battle. The "Community of Tzia (Kea) Island", led by their elders, contributed to the national struggle, not only directly but also indirectly, by providing funds and other supplies, as revealed by the existing documents of this period. The first Turkish reprisal against the revolutionary Greeks caused an influx of thousands of refugees, mainly from the island of Chios, which the Turks had completely destroyed. The sudden arrival of these crowds caused a terrible epidemic of the plague which decimated the population (about 2000 people died). For one century and a half, i.e. almost till the beginning of the post war period, Tzia, with a population of 5000 inhabitants, gradually formed a modern social and architectural personality. Large-scale emigration reduced Kea's population by half, over the past 40 years. Yet this sad fact in no way diminishes the island's special attraction. Its deeply rooted historic heritage and the impact of its unspoilt nature make sure Kea has a magic all of its own
This text is cited May 2003 from the University of Patras' XENIOS DIAS website URL below.
KEFALLONIA (Island) IONIAN ISLANDS
Myth and Prehistory
The island takes its name from the mythical hero Kefalos, who arrived
there disconsolate after killing his wife by mistake. The island was his reward
for aiding the king Amfitryon in his struggle against the mythical Tileboans and
Tafians. Excavation finds around Fiskardo
have led to the conclusion that the island was inhabited since Paleolithic times.
The island had already developed an important civilization by the time of the
Trojan War. This is clear from Homer's comments in the Odyssey.
The Ancient World
In this period the island was divided into four cities: Sami,
Pali, Krani
and Pronnoi. They defended
against the Persian invasions together with other Greeks during the Spartan Wars.
They became divided during the Peloponnesian War. Pali supported the Corinthians
while Krani allied itself with Athens. The island was conquered by the Romans
in 187 BC. At the beginning of the 2nd century AD, Hadrian gave Kefalonia to Athens.
Venetians
During the Byzantine years, Kefalonia headed the broader administrative
region of Kefalonia.
All this time, up to the Venetian conquest in 1500, Kefalonia suffered from barbarian
and pirate raids and a succession of conquerors. After the conquest of the island
by the Venetians, it became a famous transit and commercial station and enjoyed
a period of prosperity.
The French and the Ionian State
After the defeat of the Venetians and dissolution of the Venetian
Republic, the islands were decisively taken over by the French, under the Treaty
of Kamboformio in 1797. The people of Kefalonia welcomed the new government with
relief. Then the defeat and destruction of the French fleet by the united Russo-Turkish
fleet temporarily interrupted French dominance over the island. With the Treaty
of 1800 the «Ionian Republic» was established as an autonomous region under the
suzerainty of the Sultan. There followed the second French period, with the cession
of the islands to Napoleon by the Russian czar. This didn't last long as the British
occupied the islands two years later.
The English
Together with the other Ionian Islands, Kefalonia also actively participated
in organizing and conducting the Greek revolution of 1821, culminating with the
participation of Kefalonian revolutionaries in the battle of Lala which was crucial
for the revolution. The British rulers didn't look gladly on the people's participation
in the events. The period is nevertheless characterized by a series of public
benefit projects on the island, such as the bridge uniting Argostoli
with the land across the strait and the justice building at Lixouri.
Incorporation and more recent times
On the 21st of May 1864 the British formally proceeded with ceding
the Ionian Islands to Greece. It was only a short while after the enthronement
of the Danish prince as George I of Greece, who had been favored by British politicians
in Athens. The act was
largely the result of the intense pressure exercised by the people Already, during
the British period, a movement aiming towards union had evolved in Kefalonia,
whose main exponent was the Radical party. This had been preceded by free elections
on the islands in 1850 and the parliament formed had declared with its vote the
will of the people for union of the Ionian Islands with mainland Greece. Between
the 15/27th of February 1862 the Kefalonian Radical Elias Iakovatos was unanimously
elected as head of the Ionian parliament. On April 7th of 1864 the Greek representative
Theofilos Zaimis arrived in Corfu
and the British Commissioner handed authority over to him.
This text is cited December 2004 from the Ionian Islands Region General Secretariat URL below
KILKIS (Prefecture) GREECE
The Kilkis Prefecture is located in central Makedonia, between the
Prefectures of Pella,
Thessaloniki and Serres.
A large part of Kilkis lies around the verdant valley of the Axios
river, the ancient Amfaxitida.
Its western and northern regions include the sublime and forested mountains of
Paiko and Belles,
while Kroussia on its
north eastern side, and the Doirani
lake in the north and west, constitute a natural border as well as a splendid
aquatic habitat with rare bird and plant species. The region throughout appears
to have been an area of human activity since the Copper and Iron Ages. Prehistoric
settlements and interspersed tombs have provided significant findings dating back
to the second millennium BC.
A significant area of the Prefecture is the ancient Crestonia
, located east of the Axios river, near the spring of todays Gallikos
river, the ancient Ehedoros, i.e. the river that brought giftsgold through
its sources.
On the west lies Peonia,
a site Homer referred to by naming Axios the earths widest and most beautiful
river.
At the end of the archaic era, the region of the Kilkis prefecture
came into the hands of the Macedonian state into the boundaries of the present
Hellenic state.
The regions development during those years passed through the great
Macedonian prosperity which hosted in its royal courts of the era renowned philosophers,
poets and artists. However, Kilkis region had the same fate of the remaining Macedonian
and in 148 BC it succumbed to roman sovereignty. After over 250 years of the so-called
Pax Romana, the region, along with all of Central Macedonian, was pillaged by
the Goths, Huns, Avars and Slavs, who settled in the Balkan region in the 6th,
7th centuries and beyond.
The French rule period constituted the continuation of the Byzantine
Empire, a part of which was the region of Kilkis.
In spite of the civil conflict, the rulers of Paleologos dynasty provided
the wider region with significant projects and a great degree of development.
With the conquest of Thessaloniki in 1430 AD by the Turks, the region throughout
falls under the Turkish yoke. As a matter of fact, from1699 and on, the Turkish
yoke. As a matter of fact, from 1699 and on, the Turks attempt to replace the
region's Greek residents with Turkish men and women.
Following the revolution of 1821, the region of Kilkis remained captive.
The Macedonian Struggle began later, followed by the two Balkan wars.
During the 1st Balkan War (1912-1913) vast regions of Macedonia are
freed from the Turkish rule, among them Thessaloniki
. The Second Balkan War that followed, included significant battles, which took
place in large part in the region of Kilkis and Lahanas. The war involved the
former allies Greeks and Serbs on one side, and the Bulgarians impassioned by
the Panslavic idea on the other.
This battle of Kilkis determined the consummation of the overall liberation
of today's Macedonia and Thrace.
The fury of Word War I (1914 -1918) followed. The wider region of
Kilkis became a scene of intense allies activity and battle as well. The victories
of the Greeks and their allies in Skra and Doirani have remained among the most
significant ones. The catastrophe of Asia
Minor which marked the history of Greece and the Lausanne Convention (1922),
which uprooted Hellenism from its homes Minor Asia, bore a definitive impact on
the population composition in the region of Kilkis.
The war of 1940 also determined the further course of Greece, a course
followed by Kilkis as well. Some of the Greek army's most significant battles
were fought in the region of Kilkis.
Today, the region is restructured economically and culturally, and
gladly embraces its visitor in its splendid areas, marked with natural beauty.
This text is cited January 2004 from the Prefecture of Kilkis URL below
KONITSA (Small town) IOANNINA
Based on the findings on the stone buildings of Klidi and Boila, in
Voidomatis, we can
state that the area has been occupied since the Paleolithic period by hunters-food
provision men.
Between the years 1300 and 1100 B.C., the wide area is occupied by
Molosi (Liatovouni), while
the peaceful and secure conditions of life in 750 B.C. lead to an increase on
the population of the area. In ancient Trifillia, as the area was named in the
ancient times, was developed the town of Molossida,
that became both the hometown of the mother of the Great Alexander of Olympiados
and also the base of operations for the most famous king of Epirus,
Pirros. It is believed that at the location where Konitsa stands today there was
an ancient town which had periods of summit and decay and whose name was whether
Antitania for some people or Erivia for others.
During the Romans domination, which starts with the descent of the
conquerors in 168 B.C., the Aoos
valley was one of the passages to Epirus
and Thessaly for the Romans
who used to disembark from Italy at the ancient Illiria,
the albanian borders today. Later, one section of Egnatia Odos went across the
area. Along Egnatia Odos there were built castles and fortresses whose relics
are still visible in many places of the area. During the first byzantine period,
Visigotths, Vandals, Avars and Slaves invade the area and cause a lot of destruction.
In the 8th century, Konitsa comes under the Patriarchate
of Konstantinople, while until then Konitsa was under the Pope of Rome.
In 1380 for the first time Konitsa appears with its modern name in the publication
of "The Chronicle of Ioannina", which makes a reference on Konitsa castle.
During the modern times, the town of Konitsa had its largest development
during the turkish domination. Then, Konitsa turns into the favorite town of the
turkish aristocracy. Konitsa is the hometown of both Hamko, Ali pashas' mother,
and Hasekis, the voivod of Athens
in the 18th century and also of many other eminent Turks. At this period, there
are a lot of wealthy Greeks who are obliged to be islamized in order to keep their
belongings. Turks and Greeks lived peacefully for many years with their own religions.
Both developed the art of tannage mainly as well as the carpet factory. At the
beginning of the 18th century, the town has got its own Greek school, which indicates
the prosperity of the Greeks in the area. With the exchange of population, the
muslim families leave Konitsa and come the refugees from Kappadokia
instead. Since the liberation of Konitsa, in 1913, until the arrival of Italians,
in 1940, Konitsa developed the trade and started to exploit more systematically
its fertile plain.
During the Greek-Italian war, Konitsa was subject to many destructions
which became more later with the German occupation. Also, the consequences of
the following civil war were significant until 1949 when it was ended.
The position and the natural beauty of Konitsa attracts since long
time the interest of many travellers. Today, the area has drown the attention
of climbers, lovers of rafting, kayak and paragliding and also of many tourists
who come to Konitsa in order to admire the beauty of the landscape every season
of the year. It is worth including some unique sights for your tour in the town
and in the region.
This text is cited June 2003 from the Municipality of Konitsa URL below, which contains images.
KOUFONISSI (Island) LEFKI
LEFKADA (Island) IONIAN ISLANDS
Myth and Pre-History
The island possibly took its name from the white (lefko) rocks of
Cape Lefkata. Or from some mythical Lefkatas who jumped from the rocks to be saved
from his pursuers. Its first inhabitants were the legendary Lelegoi. Finds from
excavations at Chirospilia, Asvospilia and Meganisi
show signs of life dating back to the Neolithic era. The German archaeologist
Dorpfeld has an interesting theory that the Homeric Ithaca is actually in Lefkada,
basing this on fragments from the «Odyssey». This is in contrast to famous archaeologist
Schliemann who maintained that Homer's Ithaca
is the same as the present one.
The ancient world
Colonists from Corinth
founded Lefkada in the
6th century BC. They opened the isthmus thereby isolating the island from mainland
Greece. The Lefkadites took part in the Persian Wars in the 5th century BC,
while they fought on the side of the Spartans during the Peloponnesian War. In
the 4th century BC they were subjugated by the Macedonians and took part in Alexander
the Great's campaign against the Persians. They were taken over by the Romans
at the beginning of the 2nd century BC and, after the Battle of Aktion
where Octavius destroyed the fleets of Anthony and Cleopatra, the island became
deserted.
Byzantium
During this period, Lefkada successively came under the Byzantine
Administration («thema») of Kefalonia and the Bishopric of Epirus. In 1294 the
Bishop of Epirus, Nikiforos I, gave it to the Orsini family The Orsinis built
the castle of Agia Maura and ruled the island until 1331. Since then, and up until
it was conquered by the Venetians, it passed successively under the domination
of the Franks, the Florentines and the Turks.
Venetians
The island was taken by Francisco Morozini in 1684. Between then and
1797 it remained under the dominance of Venice. During that time the island experienced
important economic and cultural growth.
The French and the Ionian State
Between 1797 and 1810 Lefkada passed from the domination of the Venetians
to the democratic French, and then came under the united Russo-Turkish fleet,
constituting a section of the Ionian State. Then again to the imperial French
until 1810 when it came under the British. The island made an important contribution
to the struggle for the liberation of Greece from the Turks in 1821. The British
remained on the island until 1864, when it was united with Greece, together with
the other Ionian islands.
Incorporation and more recent times
On the 21st of May 1864 the British formally proceeded with ceding
the Ionian Islands to Greece. It was only a short while after the enthronement
of the Danish prince as George I of Greece, who had been favored by British politicians
in Athens. The act was
largely the result of the intense pressure exercised by the people Already, during
the British period, a movement aiming towards union had evolved in Kefalonia,
whose main exponent was the Radical party. This had been preceded by free elections
on the islands in 1850 and the parliament formed had declared with its vote the
will of the people for union of the Ionian Islands with mainland Greece. Between
the 15/27th of February 1862 the Kefalonian Radical Elias Iakovatos was unanimously
elected as head of the Ionian parliament. On April 7th of 1864 the Greek representative
Theofilos Zaimis arrived in Corfu
and the British Commissioner handed authority over to him.
This text is cited December 2004 from the Ionian Islands Region General Secretariat URL below
LEMNOS (LIMNOS) (Island) NORTH AEGEAN
The pre-historical period
The first people who definitely lived in Lemnos were of the Middle
neolithic period during the 5th millenium BC. They most probably came from Asia
Minor and it seems that they colonized all the island because at many points were
found neolithic period communities, like in Axia, Ifestia,
Komi and others.
They were able to develop a remarkable civilization with duration
and continuation at Poliochni
where over 1500 years the community that started as a small neolithic period village,
ended-up as a prosperous city of the copper-governed period where it dominated
not only on the island but also other sea areas around it. Poliochni was suddenly
destroyed around 1300 BC probably by an earthquake.
After the destruction of Poliochni the capital and center of the island
became Mirina whose name
originated from the queen of the island Mirina the wife of king Thoas.
The era of Trojan war
During the era of the Trojan war (12th or 13th century BC) on Lemnos
governed the Minies with king Evino and capital city was Mirina. Homer specifically
mentions that the people of Lemnos had business dealing with the Achaians , and
also offered hospitality to the wounded Filoktiti.
During the 11th century BC the island was governed by the Pelasgians
and the Minies that abandoned the island went to live in Trifilia
close to Pylos.
The classical years
During the Persian wars went to war against Darius but around 512
BC they submitted to the persian general Otani. The first persian occupation lasted
until 510 BC when the island came under the government of Athens. The second persian
occupation during 493-479 BC ended up with the naval war of Mikali.
The people of the island mixed with the Athenian governors and around
the 4th century BC the island has a parliament, assembly and political activities
similar to those of the Athenians.
During this era Lemnos was called Dipolis (Double-City) which originated
from the existence of the two major cities Mirina and Ifestia.
The Roman era
Lemnos was conquered by the Romans in the 166 BC and the island met
a period of calm and peace and an upraise and maximum potential with the appearance
of the family of sophists, the Filostrati family.
Byzantium
There aren't many detailed information about the island during the
Byzantine period. In 325 the bishop of Lemnos Stratigios took place in the first
Universal Congress. The next bishop of Lemnos named Silouanos appeared in 680
at the sixth Universal Congress.
During the era of Constantine the Great, the island belonged to the
subject of eastern Illirium. From the 7th until 11th century the Byzantine used
the island to repair their ships and also as a naval base.
During the middle Byzantine years the island belonged to the subject
of Greece and later came under the subject of the Aegean. During 11th century
it went under the control of Thessaloniki.
The conquest of the Byzantine was interrupted many times by the Arabs,
the Venetian and the Genouates. The Turks never conquered the island. Whenever
they attempted they faced the heroic resistance of the island's people. Their
greatest victory was in the battle of Kotsinas in 1475 when Maroula of Lemnos
was distinguished.
To the Turks the island was handed over by the Venetian in 1456 initially
and later definitely in 1479.
Turkish occupation
The first appearance of the Turks on the island is mentioned around
1442 when they sieged it for 27 days. Among the sieged people were Constantine
Paleologos and his second wife Caterina Gatelouzou who died from the hardship
and a difficult pregnancy.
During the years that followed the island declined until the year
1700 when it passed into a period of calmness and reconstruction. Already the
capital city of the island is Castro (castle) today's Mirina. In 1770 after a
revolution under the leadership of the Russian general Orlof the island id destroyed
again by the Turks and begins a period of persecutions, disasters and rooting
out.
In 1821, Lemnos because of its position close to the Dardanelles didn't
join in with the revolution despite that many Lemnians joined and gave battle
inland and at sea.
In 1854 during the period of the Krimaican war an attempt for freedom
was made but it was impeded violently by the English navy.
Liberation
Lemnos was liberated on October 8th 1912 by the Greek navy just three
days after the initiation of the 1st Balkan war. Admiral Koundouriotis conquered
the island and developed a naval base which controlled the exit of the Dardanelles.
During the 1st World War and after 1925 during the expedition of Kallipolis,
Lemnos became an English military base and the bay of Moudros was used as a naval
base by the English.
In 1922, 4500 immigrants from Turkey entered Lemnos to whom land was
distributed from the Turkish estates and the inheritance of the monasteries.
During the 2nd World War the Germans occupied Lemnos on April 25th
1941 and remained on the island until October 16th 1944.
After the 2nd World War Lemnos became an exile island for many years.
During this period many people migrated to Australia, Canada, USA, South Africa
etc and the population started to decline. From the 24.018 people of the 1951
census only 15.721 registered in 1981.
This text is cited May 2003 from the Limnos Medical Association URL below.
LEROS (Island) DODEKANISSOS
The island of Leros has a rich historical past which has developed
due to its strategic position in the S.E. Aegean.
Evidence of its early importance dates as far back as the Neolithic period and
artifacts have been discovered at Partheni
which date from about 8000 to 3000 BC.
The first inhabitants of Leros were the Carians, the Leleges, the
Phoenicians and the Cretans (led by Radamanthys, the brother of King Minos). The
island was then conquered at a later date by the Dorians. The great poet, Homer,
writes of Leros and its neighbouring island, Kalymnos
as being involved in the Trojan wars and, according to the historian, Herodotus,
Leros developed close commercial, political and intellectual links with the Ionians
of Miletos. During the 5th
century Leros blossomed intellectually as a result of influences from such cultural
ancient heroes as the satirical poet, Dimodikos and the historian, Pherekydes.
The island became part of the Athens Alliance following the Persian
Wars and there is evidence that it was visited by great and wealthy persons. Such
proof of this has been found in the excavation of coins and funerary steles from
the period. This is not surprising as it was an important location for shipping
and the moral philosopher, Plutarch, refers to the capture of Julius Caeser’s
island of Farmako which lies
next to Leros.
During the Byzantine period, Constantine the Great incorporated Leros
into the theme of Samos and many magnificent Christian churches were built as
well as the castle and the Panayia (Blessed Virgin) church on the hills overlooking
what is now Platanos. A further castle of Lepides, known today as Paliokastro,
was also built and its ruined walls can still be seen, as well as many other outstanding
Byzantine monuments such as the early Christian church at Partheni,
the church of Ayia Varvara (St. Barbara) which was built from the marbled ruins
of ancient Lerian monuments.
Occupation by foreign powers has chequered the history of this small
but strategically important Aegean island. In 1314, Leros was occupied by the
tyrannical Knights of St. John of Rhodes who governed it despotically until the
Turks invaded and took command of the entire Aegean
archipelago, plundering the islands in their wake. To the credit of the Lerians
during the Turkish occupation, they managed to hold on to an element of autonomy
and later, when the Greek Revolution broke out, some of the people of Leros were
the first to resist their oppressors.
After the independence of Greece
in 1829 all the Dodecanese
islands were ceded to Turkey
by the London Protocol in exchange for Euboea.
From 1912 to 1943, the island was occupied by the Italians and during this time,
the intention was to develop Leros into an Italian naval base. Over several decades
important defence work was carried out and military installations built with a
new deep sea port created at Laki.
Many buildings were demolished and in their place grand buildings were erected
in the then, new, modern style that is now associated with Fascist architecture
of the 1930s.
During World war two, the Greek Sacred Battalion, together with the
British alliance liberated the island from the Italian capitulation. However,
after almost 50 days of bombardment from German air raids, the Germans went on
to occupy the island until the end of the war in 1945. This was further followed
by a two year occupation by English armed forces, which culminated in March 1948,
with Leros and the whole of the Dodecanese
finally being united with Greece.
LESVOS (Island) NORTH AEGEAN
LIPARO (Village) GIANNITSA
There is based information for the existence of the settlement of
Liparo in 1357 from the recording that took place in the years of the Byzantine
Empire by the name Liparino and 210 houses. The settlement was in the area "Beker",
where there is a tomb of the Macedonian years. In 1840 the near river Moglenitsas
overflowed causing great disaster and the drowning of babies. So, the settlement
was translocated in the present position of 10 metres elevation. At that time,
in the village there were 15 Greek and 500 Turkish families.
The name "Beker" is the Turkish name of the name Dimitrios.
The local tradition reports that Dimitrios was a Greek christian, servant of the
Turkish Bey. He was proposed to change his religion because he was said to perform
miracles and there was a fear for revolution of the christians. Dimitrios refused
and the Turkish killed him. They burried him in that area and untill today it
is believed that the soil of his grave helps people with dermatological diseases
etc.
The time of 1928-30 there were placed into the village refugees from
the Black Sea area and in 1935 Vlachs came from Aetomilitsa
of Epirus. Liparo, by the name Liparinovo or Barinovo and 154 residents formed
the community of Kadinovo in 28-6-1918, with the villages of Prisna, Plougar,
Kariotissa,
Losanovo and Kadinovo. Later, it consisted a community with the villages of Dafni
and Agios Georgios,
untill 1967, when it became an independent community.
This text is cited May 2005 from the Municipality of Megas Alexandros URL below
LOUTRAKI (Town) CORINTHIA
An enchanted journey through 2,500 years of history. Loutraki and the surrounding area is living proof that classical Greek values and antiquities still have much to teach us. All it takes is the desire to explore, and eyes and mind wide open to visit these antiquities, to admire them, to learn from them. Apollo, god of the sun and well-being and Hera, mother of all the Gods, were worshipped here in temples whose ruins can still be seen today. The first written reference to the waters at Loutraki is in the «Hellenica» by the Athenian historian Xenophon (431-351 B.C.). He referred to Thermes (the ancient name of Loutraki) mentioning that Agisilaos, King of Sparta, had camped there during the Corinthian war (395-387 B.C.). His description combined with historical facts and archaeological finds undoubtedly confirm that this information refers to the city of Loutraki.
The area also known as Peraea, in other words beyond Corinth (from the Greek pera for beyond) was colonized by the Corinthians in 750 BC. There are also historical references that around 146 BC when the city passed into the control of the Romans, that General Sulla, was cured in its spa waters and thus its secrets were disseminated throughout the entire Roman world. Moreover, plenty of churches built during the Byzantine era also point to the importance of the city and its historical development throughout ages. Loutraki played a significant role during the Greek Revolution in 1821 due to its geographical position as many battles took place there. The most famous one was against Dramalis (September 25-27, 1822) where Greek troops obliterated Dramalis’ forces - a victorious battle aided the outcome of the revolution greatly: the liberation and the establishment of the Greek State.
Nowadays, the international medical community is showing a great deal of interest in Loutraki due to its waters which are considered as equals to the famous waters of Vichi, Evian and Perrier.
Twelve kilometers outside the cosmopolitan Loutraki is lied the historical village of Perahora, well known for its wine production. In antiquity, it was called "Peraea" and there are a lot of archaeological finds - the ruins of ancient Oenoe (Schinos) and the tombs of Peraea - that confirm its existence since the prehistoric era. Though, the most important finds are located in the Heraion. There are ancient sites and the temple of the goddess Hera. Magnificent finds were also brought in light in this area such as ruins of temples, samples of ceramic art, silver and golden coins, copper tools, plenty of seals as well as road traces, fountains and tanks that indicate the existence of a well developed water collective system.
Finally, Isthmia is a famous city since antiquity due to the organization of the Panellenic games, so called "Isthmian Games".
MACEDONIA (Ancient area) GREECE
The Early Phase of the Macedonian State
First half of the 7th century B.C. Foundation of the Argead dynasty
End of the 7th- 6th century B.C. The Macedonian state spreads from the
region of Pieria towards the north and the east.
End of the 6th century B.C. Amyntas I ascends the Macedonian throne. The
Persians attempt to subjugate Macedonia.
506 B.C. The tyrant Hippias takes refuge in Anthemus, which Amyntas I has
offered him. The Athenian political leaders establish friendly relations with
the Macedonian Kingdom.
497 B.C. Amyntas dies and his son, Alexander I, succeeds him.
Beginning of the 5th century B.C. Alexander I is victorious at the Olympic
Games.
479 B.C. The Athenians give Alexander the status of consul. After the end
of the Persian Wars, Alexander dedicates his own statue at Delphi.
432 B.C. On the eve of the Peloponnesian War, Perdiccas II of Macedonia
moves with dexterity between the warring factions of Athens and Sparta.
413 B.C. Archelaus ascends the throne of Macedonia. A short time later,
the capital is transferred from Aegae to Pella. Zeuxis decorates the royal palace.
406 B.C. Euripides is invited to the court of Archelaus. In the sacred
city of Dion, athletic and drama contests add lustre to the cult of Olympian Zeus.
399 B.C. Death of Archelaus.
Acme of the Macedonian State
390-380 B.C. The Illyrians invade Macedonia.
359 B.C. Perdiccas III is killed in battle against the Illyrians. He is
succeeded by Philip II.
357 B.C. Philip II marries Olympias, niece of the King of the Molossians,
in an attempt to foster friendly relations.
356 B.C. Philip defeats and expels the Illyrians. Isocrates, in his speech
"On Peace," expresses the Pan-Hellenic Idea. Alexander III is born.
353 B.C. Philip intervenes in Thessaly.
346 B.C. The Sacred War breaks out in Central Greece. Philip, owing to
his alliance with the Amphictyonic Council at Delphi, becomes involved with the
affairs of Southern Greece. Philip presides over the Pythian Games.
342 B.C. Philip carries out military campaigns in Thrace.
338 B.C. The Sacred War ends in the Battle of Chaeronea. Philip participates
in the Panhellenic Union at Corinth.
337 B.C. Philip appointed commander-in-chief and emperor for the campaign
against the Persians.
336 B.C. Philip is assassinated at Aegae (Vergina).
The Macedonian State Becomes One of the Hellenistic Kingdoms
335 B.C. The twenty-year-old son of Philip II, Alexander III, continues
the work of his father as leader of the Greeks.
334 B.C. Alexander begins his campaign against the Persians, while Antipater,
loyal friend of his father, remains in Macedonia as regent.
323 B.C. The death of Alexander the Great serves as a motive for the southern
Greeks to express their dissatisfaction (in the Lamian War) and for clashes between
his successors. Cassander succeeds his father Antipater and acts as mediator between
the opposing and legitimate successors. By marrying Thessalonica, daughter of
Philip II, his aim is to appear as the continuator of the Argead dynasty.
295 B.C. Following the death of Cassander, Demetrius Poliorcetes returns
to Greece with designs on Macedonia. In Thessaly, he founds Demetrias. He is subsequently
expelled, and Macedonia falls into anarchy. The Galatians pillage Macedonia.
274 B.C. Antigonus Gonatas founds a new dynasty, the Antigonids. He bases
his authority on the tradition of the earlier Macedonian kings.
229 B.C. Antigonus Doson repels the Dardanians.
197 B.C. The Macedonians are defeated by the Romans at the Battle of Cynoscephalae.
As a result, Philip V is forced to restrict the boundaries of Macedonia to their
traditional limits.
168 B.C. Battle of Pydna. The Roman general L. Aemilius Paulus defeats
Perseus, the King of Macedonia.
Macedonia in the Transitional Period (167 B.C. to 148 B.C.)
167 B.C. In Amphipolis Aemilius Paulus proclaims the "freedom" of the Macedonians.
However, in practice, he divides the Macedonian state into four parts separated
by sealed borders. Amphipolis, Pella, Thessaloniki, and Pelagonia are named the
capitals.
149 B.C. A man named Andriscus crowns himself King of Macedonia and, relying
on the lower social classes, incites the Macedonians against the Romans.
148 B.C. C. Caecilius Metellus Macedonicus defeats Andriscus. Macedonia
becomes a Roman province.
Macedonia as a Roman Province
148 B.C. Macedonia becomes a Roman province with extended borders which
also contain Illyria and central Greece.
Circa 130 B.C. The Egnatian Way is constructed.
120-110 B.C. Barbarians invade Macedonia.
93-87 B.C. Mithridates invades Macedonian territory. A Macedonian named
Euphanes stages an unsuccessful revolt.
42 B.C. Battle of Philippi. Roman colonies are created at Casandria, Dion,
Philippi, and Pella. Augustan Age Thessaloniki becomes a free city (civitas libera),
as do Amphipolis and Scotoussa. During the Imperial Period, the institution of
the Koinon was strengthened, which helped to maintain a balance between the local
and central administration.
After the mid 3rd c. Barbarian tribes invade Macedonia (Goths and Herulians).
Macedonia under the Tetrarchate
284-305 Diocletian introduces fundamental administrative reforms. The Roman
state is divided into an eastern and a western part, each ruled by an emperor
and a caesar.
300 Caesar Galerius selects Thessaloniki as his imperial seat.
318 The Diocese of Macedonia is founded, which includes the provinces of
Macedonia, Old and New Epirus, Thessaly, Achaea, and Crete.
380 The Goths invade Macedonia again.
390 Slaughter in the Hippodrome of Thessaloniki.
395 Alaric’s Visigoths invade Macedonia. The Roman state is finally and
conclusively divided into eastern and western halves.
Macedonia in the 6th c. A.D.
510 Barbarian tribes (Slavs, Antae, Bulgars, Kutrigurs) invade Macedonia
from the North.
527 Justinian is crowned emperor. During his reign the Byzantine Empire
comprises most of the Mediterranean.
ca. 540 The Huns invade Macedonia, and make an unsuccessful attempt to
seize Thessaloniki; they destroy Cassandreia in Chalcidice.
558-9 The Kutrigurs pillage Macedonia.
586 The Avaro-Slavs repeatedly invade Macedonia.
Macedonia in the 10th c. A.D.
904 Saracen pirates besiege and capture Thessaloniki.
963 The Great Laura and the monastic community on Mount Athos are founded.
893-1018 The Bulgars invade Macedonia repeatedly and the Byzantines wage
war on them.
989 Samuel, Tsar of the Bulgars, besieges but fails to take Thessaloniki.
990 Emperor Basil II organizes his defenses from Thessaloniki.
1003 Basil II restores Byzantine control over the cities of Beroea, Kolindros,
Servia, and Edessa.
1014 Basil defeats the Bulgars at Klidion.
Macedonia in the second half of the 13th c. A.D.
1246-61 Macedonia is incorporated into the Byzantine Empire of Nicaea.
Andronicus Palaeologus assumes control of the areas of Thessaloniki and Beroea
and his son Michael Palaeologus of Serres and Melenik.
1259 Michael VIII Palaeologus is crowned emperor. At the Battle of Pelagonia
he crushes the Despot of Epirus, Michael II, and his Latin allies and receives
all the territories in western and north-western Macedonia.
1261 With the recovery of Constantinople. the Byzantine Empire is re-established.
1282 The Serbian ruler Stephen Urosh II Milutin attacks Macedonia.
Macedonia from the Greek War of Independence (1821) to Liberation (1913)
1821-8 The Macedonians join with the rest of the Greeks in the common struggle
to throw off the Ottoman yoke.
1870 The independent Bulgarian Church, known as the Exarchate, is established
and Bulgaria starts to manifest expansionist designs on Macedonia.
1903 Many Greek areas in western and northern Macedonia are ravaged after
the suppression of the Ilinden Uprising on the Feast of the Prophet Elijah.
1904-8 The Greeks struggle to prevent Slavonic expansion into Macedonia.
Volunteers from both occupied and free Greece join in the Macedonian struggle.
1912-13 Balkan Wars. Macedonia is liberated from Ottoman rule.
August 10, 1913 The Treaty of Bucharest officially establishes the borders
of the Balkan nations in Macedonia. Most of the former Turkish provinces of Thessaloniki
and Monastir now belongs to Greece.
Macedonia from 1913 to the present
1919-25 The exchange of populations under the Treaties of Neuilly and Lausanne
lead to the creation of an ethnically homogenous Greek state. 1923 With the Treaty
of Lausanne, the borders of Greece are established once and for all.
1940-4 Bulgaria, Hitler’s ally, revives its claims by occupying part of
Macedonia.
1945 onwards Bulgaria and Yugoslavia vie with each other to win over the
so-called Slavonic-speaking "Macedonians". Yugoslavia attempts to create a "Macedonian
nation" out of the region’s various ethnic groups with Skopje as its centre. Greece
reacts strongly, with urgent calls to preserve historical truth, the current national
borders, and peace in the region.
This text is cited Sep 2002 from the Ministry of Macedonia Thrace URL below, which contains images.
MAKRINITSA (Village) VOLOS
At the slopes of Pelion,
this devine shadowy mountain, Makrinitsa is resting sluggishly. It's a major village
well known for its panoramic view to Pagasitikos
Gulf and Volos,
its unique architectural features, its magnificent mansions and houses, its churches,
water fountains and paths. Makrinitsa was built between 1204 and 1215 by the Byzantine
family of Malliasinon.
This small settlement, that appeared in the first centuries of Turkish
ryle, developed economic activities in both the Balkans and Europe by cultivating
silkworms and working out leather. In 1878, Makrinitsa plays a leading role in
the Revolution against the Turks. At the same time, Margarita Basdeki - chief
of troops - excels for her courage in fight. After the liberation from the Turks,
Makrinitsa turns to be the largest municipality in the area in extent, population
and activities. By the end of the 2nd World war Makrinitsa's rural character changes
thanks to tourism that opened new horizons for its inhabitants.
This text is cited September 2004 from the Community of Makrinitsa URL below, which contains images
MARATHOKAMBOS (Small town) SAMOS
The residential kernel of Marathokampos started in ancient Samos,
as it is indicated by the local traditions and toponyms. Due to the neighboring
with the Ionian Coast, the Samian Civilization flourished mostly on the Eastern
part of the Island, around the Temple
of Hera, while not many things are known for the Central and Western part
of the island.
What we do know is that there was an intense development on the South
West part of Samos, during the Byzantine and Post Byzantine years. This is confirmed
by the written elements and the ruins of big settlements with walls and Temples,
which have been found in the area.
Through the natural harbors of our Municipality, all trade dealings
were made, with the Western Islands of the Aegean Sea and the rest of Greece,
while the Byzantine fleet harbored in these natural harbors in order to control
the Central Aegean Sea.
The development of our Municipality appears to be significant during
the Post Byzantine years, when the Eastern part of Samos was depopulated by the
fear of the Turks and pirates who foraged the area. The morphology of the area,
the mentality of the people of Marathokampos, and the marine activity, interpret
the maintenance of the healthy social and economical life of the area, during
the years that are referred by the historians as the time of depopulation. At
the harbor of Ormos -
Spilia as it was called back then - the solid wood that came from Mount
Kerkis made strong ships. The trade ships of Marathokampos traveled through
the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, victoriously facing the pirates and the Turks.
These trade ships where the bridge between West Samos, Ionian Coast and Central
Greece. Brave hearted sailors from Marathokampos and their ships took part at
the campaign of Napoleon the Great in Egypt and many of them died at the battle
of the Pyramids.
Marathokampos is the home land of Kapetan Stamatis Georgiadis, Napoleon's
great fighter, member of the Karmanioli movement, and a hero of the Samian renaissance,
whose presence at the Kavo's Fonia battle gave the victory to the Samian Arms
in 1924. His family, his brothers, his sisters, his brothers in law gave everything
to the strangle and died in exile in Evia
when Samos turned to a hegemony. His house can be found in the village of Marathokampos
where many of his personal belongings are saved there.
In the church of St. Antonius, which was founded in 1904, one can
see the bell that sounded the Revelation on the 17th of April 1821, calling all
rebels to join against the tyranny of the Turks. In this church one can also find
the icon that was ordered by the captains that followed Kapetan Stamatis at the
beginning of the Revelation. During the years of the hegemony and between 1920-1940
Marathokampos town was a Municipality with Court of first instance, Country Court,
Town School and Girl's School. In these schools teachers were bright people who
had studied in Ionia and Europe. Among them were the fellow citizens Karatzas,
Sfinis and Konstas. The citizens of Marathokampos were active during the Liberation
fights in 1912-1913, the movement of Th. Sofoulis and the Near East campaign.
Right after the union of Samos with Greece, four brothers, the famous Giagiades,
feeling jostled, became outlaws. Finding refuge on the Mounts and being supported
by others of the same ideology, their mutiny lasted for many years. And this is
why the Giagiades mutiny has a big part of the Marathokampos History. Citizens
of Marathokampos also fought fiercely in Albania and Middle East.
The habitants of Marathokampos took great action during the years
of the Italian - German occupation, working hard for the resistance. They acted
on the mountains against the conquerors. Among the dead of Kastania, who were
brutally murdered by the Italians, were many citizens of Marathokampos.
Marathokampos is also the birthplace of the Patriarch of Jerusalem,
Damianos and the Metropolite Aleksandros Dilanas. One of the most important Greek
Archaeologists Manolis Andronikos spent his younger years in Marathokampos, while
from Marathokampos Gymnasium graduated the litterateur Giannis Chatzinis and the
historian Alexis Sevastakis.
This text is cited April 2005 from the Municipality of Marathokambos URL below, which contains images.
MARONIA (Ancient city) RODOPI
The remains of ancient Maroneia lie at the southeast of Komotini,
on a plain well protected from the north winds by Ismaros
mountain. The area has already been inhabited since the neolithic age (3rd mil-lenium
BC). To this period and more precisely to the 2nd millenium BC belong at least
seven settlements. The archaeological data speak for the domination of this area
by Thracian tribes - they also managed to reach Troy
- during these years. Homer provides the first information on Maroneia and also
mentions the town as birthplace of the priest Maron, who lived in the sacred grove
of Apollo in the town Ismaros.
In the 7th century BC a wide colonization of the coastal Thrace took place. The
location of the first settlement of emigrants from Chios
island remains as yet unknown. However, according to Professor Bakalaki's opinion
this colony must be identified with the acropolis on the top of Ismaros mountain,
east of Maroneia.
Besides the elegant coins of the 6th century BC we have no other information
or document concerning the life of Maroneia in antiquity. During the Persian Wars
Maroneia shared the fate of the other Thracian towns and was occupied by the invaders.
After the defeat of the Persians the town became a member of the Athenian Alliance.
The 4th century BC was the period of flourishing and prosperity for Maroneia.
The archaeological excavations that started in 1969 in Maroneia and
continue until today brought to light important finds, significant for the town's
history. Of equal importance are also the remnants of the Byzantine era in the
area that prove beyond doubt that Thrace has always been a most valuable cultural
spring.
Text : Maroneia M. Sarla - Pendazou and V. Pendazos
MESSINIA (Prefecture) PELOPONNISOS
Messini remained under Roman occupation and lived in a carefree way
until 395/396 A.D. when it was attacked and probably plundered by the Germans
(Visigothi) of Alarichos.
Despite that, it is probable but also without evidence that the city
kept on its historic life as it is proved by the foundation of fourty houses of
residents who lived in this contemporary archaeological site from the fourth to
the seventh century, until about 700 A.D.
When the inhabitants of Messini became Christians they forgot all
about the Religious Tolerance which was granted to all the inhabitants by the
Decree of Mediolanos and, with the frenzy of the newly-initiated, they destroyed
every ancient statue they found in front of them.
The fragments were collected by Petros Themelis who found them in
an enclosed room in the «Gymnasio», while in the area of the ancient 'Agora' he
also found architectural parts of a pro-christian basilika (temple) where the
Bishop of Messini must have been officiating as a clergyman in the fourth century.
After the seventh century and for unknown reasons the presence of
Messini is lost from the history scene and only during the last Byzantine centuries
does the Byzantine temple of the Assumption (of the Virgin Mary) make its appearance
on its land, at the top of the mountain of Ithomi
or Voulkano. Finally, the extensive area of Messinia loses even its freedom in
the beginning of the thirteenth century.
In 1205 A.D. the Frank (=French) Goulielmos Samblites along with Godefredos-Villeardouinos
disembarked at Methoni and before 1212 A.D. the French had conquered the Peloponnese
and founded sovereignty, the «Principality of Achaia» whose capital was Andravida.
So, from 1205 to 1430, Messinia, except Methoni
and Koroni, was in the hands
of those conquerors, the most important of which was the «Prince of Achaia» and
occupant of Kalamata, Nisi,
Androusa, and temporarily
Arkadia (Kyparissia), Goulielmos
the 2nd Vileardouinos.
He had been born in Kalamata and that's why Greeks called him «Kalamata»
He was a very ambitious and daring man. While taking part in a military confrontation
in 1259, however, he was beaten by the Byzantine forces in the battle of Pelagonia,
near Kastoria, he was captured
and he had to yield the castles of Mystra,
Bofor and Great Mani in 1262 to the emperor Michael the seventh the Paleologos
(1258-1282) so that the could be released. Consequently, the Despotato of Mystras
was created and the land of Messinia became a part of it, in about 1430. After
the fall of Konstandinoupolis,
in 1453, the bigger part of Messinia surrendered to Mohamet the 2nd the Conqueror
in 1460, and the surrender was completed in 1500 when the next Sultan, Vagiazit
conquered Methoni, Koroni and Navarino
which was in the hands of Venetians.
About the ancient history of Messenia, see ancient country: Messinia
This text is cited June 2003 from the Messenia Prefecture Tourism Promotion Commission URL below, which contains image.
The occupation of messinian land lasted until the 23rd March 1821
when, thanks to the efforts of Filiki Eteria, the heroic captains of West Mani,
the chieftains of Messinia and their brave men, the liberation of the Country
started from Kalamata making
it the first free Greek city.
The liberation of Messinia was completed in 1827 with the intervention
of the Superpowers and the naval battle of Navarino
on 20 October 1827 but it was not until the next year that General Mezon's french
expeditionary force made Ibrahem abandon Peloponnese
via Methoni on the 28th September
1828.
Finally, after 1832, and the recognition of the Proclamation of Independence
of Greece by the Sultan, free life finally started for Greek people.
About the ancient history of Messenia, see ancient country: Messinia
This text is cited June 2003 from the Messenia Prefecture Tourism Promotion Commission URL below, which contains image.
MESSINIA (Ancient area) MESSINIA
Because of its Mediterranean and mild climate Messinia was first inhabited
by people from the «Early Palaeolithic years» (26000-9000 B.C) The
first inhabitants of «Messini» as the country was first called, were the Leleges
from Lelegia (Lakonia) who were brought by Polykaon and his wife, Messini and
settled in the country, according to Pausanias.
We don't have sufficient information on the physical appearance of
this race, but the human skeletons which were found in the areas of Kokora Troupa
of Velika as well as in the cave; 'Apinema' of Inner Mani which is close to Itylo
and Alepotripa at Diro could
be attributed to people belonging to this race.
According to the archaelogical findings during the Neolithic Age there
was a civilization in the areas of Chora,
Epano Eglianou, Malthi,
where there is a neolithic acropolis on a hill, Handrinou
and Koryfasio.
The Protohellenic period (2600-2200 B.C) is represented in the areas
of Koryfasio, Epano Eglianos, Malthi, Kalamata
in the area of Akovitika,
where an extensive building complex and a manor house were recently discovered
as well as in ancient Thouria
and Finikounda.
In Malthi, Kyparissia,
Koryfasio, Epano Egliano, Pappoulia
and Tragana there was life
in the Mesohellenic period (2200-15580 B.C).
In about 2700 B.C, at the end of the Neolithic and the beginning of
the Protohellenic era, according to recent academic research, the Achaei (Greeks)
came and settled Messinia.
They were from Thessalia and later made Messinia the most densely
populated area of the Peloponnese.
Their settlement covered the entire land of Messinia from Alfios
to Methoni and from Kardamili
to Nomia, as the scattered domed and chamber tombs of the rulers and their subjects,
where human skeletons, signs of ceramic pottery, vases and ostraka were found
prove. During the Trojan war and at the foot of Taygetos
there were the seven homeric cities which were under the ruling of Agamemnon and
among these was the most important one, the city of Firon
(today: Kalamata).
Homer preserved names of its rulers as well; Ortilohos and Dioklis.
But the most important homeric city was in western Messinia and dominated the
area of the Ionian coast from Alfios to Methoni.
It was the «Emathoes Pylos» of Neleas, Nestoras and their successors
until 1200 B.C approximately, when the palace was burnt down by arsonists. Some
invaders, may be the «Races of the sea» suppressed the military forces of Pylos
and generally the Mycaeneans and crushed their power.
Taking advantage of the annihilation of the military force of the
Kings of the Peloponnese, the hellenic race of the Dories descended from the Greek
Mainland (Sterea Ellada) and
invaded almost all the Peloponnese
in 1120 B.C.
The results of the Descent of the Dories or Iraklidon to Messinia
were a lot of generations (families) of Pylion,
who belonged to the dynasty of Neledon, who abandoned Pylos and settled Attica.
They took there the worship of goddess-glafkas of Athena, they renamed
the well-known mountain of Attica «Egaleo»
after the mountain in Pylos,
the contemporary Agia, and Melanthos, father of the Athenian King Kodros, became
the first Athenian king of messinian descent. Many other eminent personalities
at Athens like Kleisthenes, Pericles, Solon, Plato as well as Aristotle were of
Pylian descent, too.
This text is cited May 2003 from the Messenia Prefecture Tourism Promotion Commission URL below.
After the Descent of the Dories in 1120 B.C. Kresfondis his wife Meropi
and the men of their military force settled in Upper Messinia, at «Steniclaro»,
while Lower Messinia, «Makaria» remained free until about 740 B.C. as the cities
of southwestern and western Messinia did. These were in the hands of the Pylians
which is a sign of the peaceful co-existence of Achaei and Dories.
In about 740 B.C, the Dories from Lakonia, believing that the valley
of the river Evrotas was
not enough to sustain them, laid eyes on the land of the Messinian people who
were of the same race as them.
On the pretext of a boundary dispute by the temple of Limnatidos Artemidos,
on Taygetos, they took military
action which is well-known as the (four) Messinian wars; that is, the first war
(740-720 B.C approximately) and the three revolutions which occasionally followed
until 460 B.C when the conquest of the region was completed.
Better-known is the Third Messinian war (500-489 B.C) , the «war of
Aristomenis», in which that heroic general with his men and the castle of Era
as a base for attack, led. His base was by the borders with Arkadia,
the contemporary Kakaletris and the Arkades were its allies. He was, however,
defeated and was forced to leave Messinia and find shelter in Rhodes where he
got ill and died without realizing this dream; to free his homeland.
One of the painful consequences of the Messinian Wars was the scattering
of some Messinians, who were made to abandon their country either willingly or
unwillingly and settle Regio
and Metapondio in Italy and
Zagli in Sicily
where they went after the Third Messinian war (500-489), and renamed it «Messini»(today,
Messina). Finally, after the fourth one, they scattered to Nafpaktos,
Kefallinia and to Messini
of Sicily, as the previous Messinians had done.
The Messinians remained enslaved to the Spartans and refugees away
from their homeland until 371 B.C. when the Theban general Epaminondas crushed
the military forces of the Spartans at Lefktra
in Boetia and realized with the Argae and the Arkades the rebuilding in 369 B.C
of the city of «Ithomi» which was in the south part of the feet of the mountain
bearing the same name. The fact that the refugee Messinians who returned, named
their new city «Ithomi» can be attributed to the fact that before the conquest
by the Spartans it bore the aforementioned name.
After 369 B.C., Messini, or «Messana» in the dialect of its Doric
inhabitants, started to prosper both financially and culturally and reached its
cultural peak in the period from 338 to 191 B.C. It was the capital of the federation
of the rest of the messinian cities, a fact that offered Messini financial prosperity
until 191 B.C. when the cities that participated in the federation detached from
it and joined the Achaic federation of Aegeo.
Finally, due to its interference into the affairs of Messini and those
of the Achaic federation, the Macedonians and the Romans, Messini surrendered
to the Romans in 146 B.C. having succeeded in Keeping the magnificent fortification
it had because of a temporary alliance with the Romans in 205 B.C. Its fortification
was the strongest in Greece and equal to those of Rhodes
and Byzantio.
About the modern history of Messinia see Messinia,
prefecture
This text is cited June 2003 from the Messenia Prefecture Tourism Promotion Commission URL below, which contains image.
MESSOLONGI (Town) ETOLOAKARNANIA
Messolongi it is the sacred town of the immortal heroes, a town of
freedom and it is very picturesque.
It becomes known in history in the 16th century just before the sea
battle of Nafpaktos on 7 October 1571. During the pre-Christian period in this
area of Messolongi there were 3 ancient towns. They were Kalidona,
which is now Evinohori, Plevrona,
now called Castle of Kira-Rini and Alikirna which is now Hilia
Spitia built just below the historical Monastery
of St. Simeon.
The inhabitants were fishermen and Dalmatian pirates living in straw
huts positioned in the lakes of the gulf
of Patra. Later on the area was called Mezzo Langhi by the Italians which
means "between the lakes".
Messolongi played a very important role during the Greek uprising.
In 1822 the Turks tried to take it but were unsuccessful. Four years later the
inhabitants of Messolongi unfortunately succumbed to the Turks, who surrounded
the Town and on 10 April 1826 they decided on the mass Exodus of Messolongi. Unfortunately
their plan was betrayed to the Turks by someone and the consequences were tragic
.
Messolongi fell but its history stands high and illuminates hearts
throughout the ages.
In 1829 Messolongi was liberated from the Turks and started again
to flourish. In 1835 they appointed a mayor and in 1937 the government decided
unanimously to name it the Sacred Town of Greece .
This text is cited December 2004 from the West Greece Region General Secretariat URL below, which contains images.
MYSTRAS (Byzantine settlement) PELOPONNISOS
NAFPAKTOS (Town) ETOLOAKARNANIA
Brief Description of Ancient Nafpaktos
The picturesque, mainly Venetian castle, from which ramparts descend
to enclose the little harbour, reminds us of its medieval past when it was known
in the West as Lepanto. The square, shaded by jacaranda trees, looks across the
Gulf to Mt. Panakhaikon in
Peloponnesus. Ancient Nafpaktos
was taken during the arrival of the Doric Clans in 1104 BC. The town was destroyed
by earthquakes in 583 BC. Later the town was occupied by the Ozolian Locrians,
and was taken in 454 BC. by the Athenians.Here they established a colony of Messenians,
who had been dispossessed by their Spartan conquerors. The place played an important
part in the Peloponnesian War; it was successfully defended in 429 BC. by Phormion
and in 426 BC. by Demosthenes against the Spartans. In 338 BC., Philip the 2nd
of Macedonia occupies Nafpaktos from the Achaians and delivers it to the Aetolians.
In 218 BC., Nafpaktos becomes the capital of the Aetolic Confederation. Nafpaktos
is classified in Dominant of Epirus in 1205-1295 AD. The town becomes a Venetian
Colony in the year 1407-1499 AD. Occupied by the Turks in 1499, Lepanto is chiefly
celebrated for the victory which the combined popal, Spanish, Venetian, and Genoese
fleets, under Don Juan of Austria, gained over the Turkish fleet on Oct. 7, 1571.
At last, Nafpaktos was liberated from the Turks, in 1821-1829 A.D. Saint Dimitrios,
protector of the city of Nafpaktos, was martyred in 305 A.D. defending Christianity.
He is also regarded as the Patron Saint of Thessaloniki
and its saviour during difficult moments. Nafpaktos is one of the few Greek towns
that managed to survive and to pass from prehistorical age to nowadays. The town
for more than 3.200 years of turbulent life, appeared under various names, such
as, Nafpaktos from its founding Lepanto by the Venetians, Epahtos by the Byzantines,
Enevahte and Nepahtos by the Turks. Its primary name came from the fact that the
area is located historically as naval colony, where ships were manufactured, by
Loric races and later by Doric ones. Nafs (ship) + pignimi (manufacture) = Nafpaktos.
Naval Victory-La Victore De Lepante, Le Rosaire
On October 7, 1571, Selim II, Sultan of the Turks, was utterly destroyed
in a disastrous naval defeat near the harbor of Lepanto. This great victory is
always ascribed to Pope Pius V and is mentioned in his canonization in 1712. At
the hour of the battle, a procession of the Rosary began its march to the church
of Minerva. The pope was present, and, quite unexpectedly walked to a window,
threw open its doors and stood in a trance for a considerable time. Returning
to the cardinals, he remarked, "It is now time to give thanks for the great
victory which has been granted us." Officials later compared the time of
the pope's words with the records of the battle and found them in precise accord.
But the real reason for crediting the pope with the victory came from the mouths
of the prisoners taken in battle. They attested, with unquestionable conviction,
that they had seen Jesus Christ, Saint Peter, Saint Paul, Santa Maria Di Lepanto
and a multitude of angels, sword in hand, fighting against Selim and the Turks,
blinding them with smoke.
This text is cited December 2004 from the West Greece Region General Secretariat URL below, which contains images.
NAXOS (Island) KYKLADES
1. Mythology
Mythology connects Naxos with Zeus (Milossios, protector of the flocks,
was worshipped on Naxos). Here, Zeus fell in love with Semeli. Their son, Dionissos,
god of wine, happiness and theatre, was born of this union. The child Dionissos
lived in a cave on the mountains of Naxos and was nursed (as related by Homer)
by the Nymphs. Growing up, crowned with ivy and laurel, he roamed the forests
of the island, with the Nymphs in his wake. He was honoured on the mountain of
Koronos. Another myth connects Naxos with Ariadne, King Minos's daughter who helped
Theseus kill the Minotaur. Theseus left Ariadne on Naxos, where she married Dionissos.
According to the "Theogony" of Issiodos, the wedding wreath was flung among the
stars by Dionissos.
2. Inhabitants
The island was already inhabited before 2000 B.C. (precycladic period).
The first inhabitants wereThracians and Pelagians, followed by Kareans. Many discoveries
were made on the island in recent years, a.o. the foundations of buildings and
a great many utensils of this period. Three of these sites were found in the City
of Naxos (Palatia, Grotta, Aplomata). Other finds in the region show us that the
city of Naxos was inhabited non-stop, from that period onwards, for 5000 years,
thus testifying to the fact that the cities of Naxos are amongst the most ancient
of Greece.
3. Emigration
The Cycladic period was followed by a wave of the great Ionian emigration,
from the mainland of Greece to the islands of the Aegean Sea and the west coast
of Anatolia (creation of Ionia). In the 8th century B.C., the Ionians of the islands
had already created their religious centre on Delos, where the Naxians and the
inhabitants of the other islands gathered every year to honour Apollo with songs,
dances, and competitions of music, poetry and athletism.
4. Prosperity
Naxos prospered during the 8th, the 7th and especially the 6th century
B.C. The island was one of the most important commercial powers with a widespread
artistic reputation, especially with regard to its sculptures. To witness: the
consecrations of the Naxians on Delos, the Naxian sphinx and the House of the
Naxians in Delphi and on Delos.
5. Products
The fertility of the island was famous. Homer called it "of Zeus"
(godlike). Pindaros named it "Fertility". The island was reputed for its almonds
and honey, but mostly for its wines. These were so well-known that some writers
mentioned a river of exquisite and perfumed wine flowing through Naxos. Athineos
wrote that nectar was not half as sweet as the wine from Naxos. Archilochos from
Paros compared the wine of Naxos to nectar as well.
6. Written history - Classic antiquity
Naxos was first mentioned in written history in the middle of the
5th century B.C., when, according to Herodotos, it played an important part in
the Persian wars. In 546 B.C., the aristocrats ruling the island were overpowered
by the Athenians with the aid of the tyrant Ligdamis. Supported by Sparta, they
returned, after 20 years of exile, only to be forced off the island again a few
years later. They then to turned for help to the Ionian city of Militos, governed
by the Persian satrap Aristagoras. Aristagoras was quick to report this to the
Persian king Darius, who, thereupon, attacked Naxos, and laid siege to it for
4 months. Later, the Persians were defeated in Marathon and returned to Asia,
but they continued to occupy Naxos and the other islands. Despite the Persian
occupation of Naxos, the Greek fleet incorporated four boats from Naxos. This
unit distinguished itself in the naval battle of Salamina. They also participated
and showed exceptional valour in the battle against the Persians of 479 B.C. Afterwards,
Naxos was part of the alliance of Delos under the domination of Athens.
7. Venetian Period - until today
A new chapter in the history of Naxos started at the beginning of
the 13th century B.C., after the fall of Constantinople and the signature of the
agreement between the Latins and the Byzantines. According to this treaty, the
Aegean islands came under the rule of the Venetians and thus of Markos Sanoudos.
Markos Sanoudos attacked and defeated Naxos, took up residence in Chora and built
his palace within the walls of the fortress. The island was then called the Duchy
of the Aegean Sea. At a later date, after the murder of the last member of the
Sanoudos dynasty, the island fell under the domination of the Krispi dynasty.
In 1566, the Duke of Naxos welcomed a wave of Jewish refugees from Portugal, the
most famous of whom was Joseph Nazi. After this Duke's death, the island came
under the domination of the Sultan of the Ottoman empire. Finally, the Naxiots
took part in the revolution of 1821, turning Naxos into a part of the modern Greek
State from the very first moment of its creation.
Civilisation
In the second millennium B.C., Minoan Crete greatly influenced the
island's culture. At that time, Naxos was a colony of Crete. Around 1.400 B.C.,
following the decline of the Minoan civilisation, the Cyclades fell under the
influence of Mycenaean Greece. This culture started to crumble in the 12th century
B.C.
Today, a remnant of the past glory of Naxos may be admired in the traditional
handwoven materials and in the needlework of the women. This work represents scenes
from day to day life and subjects from mythology, religion etc. This trade, though
sadly in decline, is kept alive thanks to the efforts of the co-operatives and
the craftsmanship in the villages of Komiaki, Apiranthos, Koronos and Moni. True
- blooded descendants of the ancient inhabitants of Naxos, who worshipped Apollo
(the God of music) and Dionissios (the God of wine and joy), the islanders love
to express their feelings, both happy and sad, in song, creating a wide and unique
variety.
For instance:
- dirges, hymns, lullabies.
- rhymes, serenades and "kotsakia".
The songs are passed on through the generations by word of mouth. The knowledge
of the songs and the skill on the instruments that accompany them are taught by
the oldest to the youngest singer/musician. The instruments we find on Naxos,
mostly in the mountains, are: the sovliari , the bagpipe, the violin, the lute
and the clarinet. Naxos musicians are famous throughout the islands. Most songs
are linked to a particular dance, such as:
- the sirtos, balos or antikristos, kalamatianos etc.
Athletism, too, still plays an important part in life on Naxos. To this day, the
island boasts many famous athletes.
This text is cited Mar 2003 from the University of Patras' XENIOS DIAS website URL below.
NEA EPIDAVROS (Small town) ARGOLIS
At New Epidavros on the 12th of December of 1821, the first National Assembly of Greeks was initiated, where the Greek Constitution was formed and the blue and white flag was voted the symbol of Greece. At the same time the head of Athena was introduced on the national seal and the first self-teaching school was opened
NEA KIOS (Small town) ARGOLIS
Nea Kios is the historical continuation of Kios in Asia Minor a city of 20,000 inhabitants. Kios was situated in the inlet of the Blue Gulf in Propondis, it was the See of Nikea and the seaport of Proussa. The history of Kios spreads from mythology throughout the centuries and reaches the defeat and Catastrophe of the greek cities of Asia Minor. The inhabitants of Kios took part in all the fights of Mother Greece from 1821 to the Balkan wars. Kios is the birthplace of some of the most eminent Greek teachers, authors and poets. The author Euristhenis Laskaridis who comes from Kios recorded the history of Kios in two volumes entitled «KIANA». There is the three volumes work by V. Kouligas entitled «KIOS». You can also find several references in books written by famous foreign authors.
Nea Kios was inhabited in 1927 by people who arrived in free Greece from Kios after the defeat and Catastrophe of the greek cities of Asia Minor.It is the only self-sufficient society of refugees in whole Peloponnese. The settlement of the refugees in the area of Ancient Timenio was really hard. In fact the area was a big swamp and it took a lot of time, effort and sacrifice so that it becomes nowadays a model of large village
.
NEO PSYCHIKO (Municipality) ATTIKI
(Following URL information in Greek only)
OLYMPIADA (Village) HALKIDIKI
Οlympiada was founded in 1924, after by the refugees that came here from Saint
Kiriaki in Asia Minor
after their exil in 1922. According to historians, this region is the most important
in Halkidiki because here ancient
Stagira once stood. Ancient Stagira is found East of Olympiada at a distance
of 700 metres, in an area called Liotopi. That is where, in 1990, the important
archaeological excavations took place. By King Kassandros command, Olympiada,
mother of Alexander the Great, was exiled from ancient Stagira and sent to the
island of Kapros (Boar)
which is found opposite current Olympiada. The island of Kapros is also reported
by the ancient geographer Stravona. He also mentioned that the harbour of the
city carried the same name. During the Turkish domination the harbour of Olympiada
was used for the pressuring of timber. In this area, there were certain huts,
in which the refugees took shelter after their arrival.
This text is cited March 2004 from the Municipality of Stagira-Akanthos URL below
ORMYLIA (Small town) HALKIDIKI
Written testimonies are: in 875 ad from the Archbishop of Thessalonica,
Vasilios as "Sermylia Komi" in "Bio", which he has written in the beginning of
the 10th century ad for his master, Eythimios the Young, and in 1047 ad during
the demarcation of the fields that belonged to the abbey "Xavounion", that is
today's Ploygiros. In the
last document one can read that: "... it touches the borders of the castle Ermylia".
Since the beginning of the 13th century, the monasteries from the Holy
Mt Athos have a very dynamic presence in the area by establishing dependencies
in the fertile lowland and thus restricting the habitants of Ormylia in the higher
and more barren areas or by employing them. The raise of the number of the monastery
dependencies was boosted more in the next century mainly because of the raids
from the Serbs and the Turks forcing the habitants to sell their estates. In the
beginning of the 14th century one of the 6 commanding precincts of Chalkidiki
was called "Kapetanakion of Ermylia".
Ormylia was finally occupied by the Turks somewhere between 1416 and
1424. During the occupation the Ottoman Empire granted the Christians various
privileges in exchange with heavy taxation. The villages next to the monasteries,
were under the protection of the Holy Mt Athos. This meant that most of them,
including Ormylia, were left somewhat free of occupation and they were able to
develop very important trading activities. Ormylia even managed to become in the
19th century the most important silk industry centres.
In 1818, a very big church was built in the name of St George, a fact
that proves how well established was the economy of the village. In 1821, Ormylia
enters the Greek Revolution together with the rest of Chalkidiki and under the
commandment of Emmanouil Pappa. Unfortunately this attempt failed and the Turks
burned the whole peninsula of Chalkidiki.
During the revolution of 1854, Tsamis Karatasos - leader of the revolution
in the area - settled in Metoxi
and he gave one of the most crucial battles in the area of Psakoudia
of Ormylia. When he left, Metoxi was burned to the ground. Ormylia was liberated
from the Turks in October 1912, having been for almost 500 years under occupation.
In 1923 immigrants from the Asia Minor arrived to settle in the area.
They established the village of Vatopedi which was subsumed by the Municipality
of Ormylia in 1971. When the immigrants arrived, began the expropriation and
distribution of the estates that belonged to the monasteries. Those were given
to the immigrants as well as to the local farmers.
In 1941 - 1944, during the German occupation, the habitants took active
part in the National opposition, organizing among other things a network to collect
British officers and soldiers and help them escape to the Middle East.
This text is cited Oct 2003 from the Municipality of Ormylia URL below.
PALEFYTO (Small town) GIANNITSA
At a short distance from the current position of the village there
was the Bey's lodgings and all around it there were the shacks of the Turkish,
who were in his hire. Until 1920 Lozanovo, such as Palefyto was named, belonged
to the community of Kadinovo and it had 202 residents, mostly shepherds. In 1922
refugees from Kydia of Prousa
(Asia Minor) came to the area, chased from the Turkish, after the disaster of
Smyrna.
Tradition wants the residents of Kydia and the other eight villages
that were beside the lake, to descend from captured families of Mani. The news
that they received in 1922 for the coming of the Turkish, lead them southwest,
to the ports of Smyrna. But, at their way, happend to meet a very beautiful woman
on a horse, who prevented them to continue and so they made for Panormos.
Some said that she was the daughter of pasha of the area, others said that she
was the Virgin Mary that saved them from certain slaughter. Recent researches
confirm the existence of the Sultana, who was christian because of her Serbian
lineage.
The exchange of the population between Greece and Turkey in 1924,
led to Palefito the residents of Petrohori, a village in the Chataltza area in
Eastern Thrace. In the beggining, the conditions were unbearable and the cohabitation
was difficult. However, their common aim for survival, set aside all the differences
and the devotion of all the residents to the cultivation of this fertile land,
improved Palefyto.
This text is cited May 2005 from the Municipality of Megas Alexandros URL below
PAROS (Island) KYKLADES
1. Precycladic period
As of ancient times, the prolific development of the Greek spirit
owes much to the contribution of Paros. Remains of temples and monuments, as well
as finds of antique objects such as tableware and figurines are witnesses to the
island's history. A first testimony of this history dates back to the stone age,
as proven by the excavations in Salianga, a small island between Paros and Antiparos,
where a settlement of the late stone age (end of the 5th to the begining of the
4th millennium B.C.) was uncovered. Figurines of exquisite artwork were found
in settlements and tombs on Paros. They comfirm that, during the Cycladic and
more specifically the Precycladic period, a remarkable civilisation was developed.
During the mid and late Cycladic period, even though the Minoan civilisation of
Crete dominated the area of the Aegean sea, Paros continued to grow in importance.
It was known under different names, such as: Minois, Iria, Iliessa, Kavarnis,
Zakinthos, Minoa, Dimitrias and Platia. It derives its present name from Paros,
the son of Parrasios, a native of Arcadia, who, along with other colonists, settled
on the island.
2. Ionians - period of prosperity
The arrival and settling of the island by the Ionians turned Paros
into a rich and mighty power. Thus, it was able to establish its own colonies
on Thassos, on Propontis and in the Adriatic. The great poet Archilohos of Paros
(7th century B.C.), believed to be a contemporary of Homer, lived on Paros at
some time during this golden age of the Northern Aegean. Inscriptions found in
Elita prove the existence of a temple dedicated to this great poet. It was here
that his fellow countrymen came to worship him. At this same period, the artistic
life on Paros flourished, as witnessed by finds of richly sculptured decorations.
These finds are now exhibited in the museums of Parikia, Asklipion and Delion.
3. Classical period - Roman - Byzantine years
The golden age of Paros lasted the length of the classical period.
This was mainly due to the famous marble of Paros, of a pure, dazzling white.
Masterpieces of Ancient Greek art, such as the Hermes of Praxitelis and the Afroditi
of Milos, were sculptured in Parian marble extracted from the ancient quarry of
Marathion. During this period, the art of sculpture reached its peak, with masters
like Agorakritos, Scopas and Aristion. As of the 5th century B.C, Paros was dominated
successively by Persia, Athens, Sparta, Thebe, Macedonia and the Ptolemeans. A
long period of decline had started. It was followed by the Roman domination, which
lasted till the foundation of the Byzantine Empire. During the 4th century A.C.,
idolatry was abolished to be replaced by the Christian faith, gradually gaining
the whole island.
4. New period
This period sees a decline of the island's population, leaving it
practically deserted. This made it into an ideal base for the North African pirates
to launch their raids from. This black page in the history of Paros is followed
by the Frankish domination (1207 - 1535). From this period dates the construction
of the castles of Parikia, Kefalos and Naoussa. In 1537, after the fall of the
Venetians, Barbarossa took possession of the island. It was ruthlessly laid waste.
Then, in 1560, came the Turks. During the Turkish occupation, the island flourished
thanks to the Sultan's religious concessions. To witness: the traditional architecture
of churches and houses of that period. Paros took an active part in the revolution
of 1821 (with Manto Mavrogenous as one of the heroes). Their freedom had to be
defended once again in the Greek-Italian war of 1940 and in the National Resistance
against the Axis invasion. Astonishingly, Greek civilisation survived against
the most appalling odds. This was due, in great part, to the efforts of the island's
intelligentsia.
This text is cited Mar 2003 from the University of Patras' XENIOS DIAS website URL below.
PATMOS (Island) DODEKANISSOS
The first settlers on Patmos were the Carians, followed by the Ionians.
Ruined 4th-century BC walls bear witness to the existence of a fortified town
at the Kastelli site. Preliminary excavations have revealed that Artemis and Apollo
were worshipped there. The temple of the goddess of the hunt, Artemis is believed
to have stood on the site where the great
Monastery of Patmos was later built in the 11th century. The temple of the
god of music, Apollo, was near the port
of Skala. In the first century BC, Patmos, a dependency of Miletus
on the coast of Asia Minor,
boasted a large population and a remarkable civilization. Ancient temples, a gymnasium,
games, and an association of lampadists (torch-racers) indicate its economic well-being
and high level of culture.
(text: Manolis Pentes)
This text (extract) is cited November 2003 from the Municipality
of Patmos tourist pamphlet.
PATRA (Town) ACHAIA
Patras' history according to written tradition
Patras' history was known until recently only by written tradition.
According to it, Patras was founded by the Achaeans of Sparta who, headed by Preugenes
and his son Patreus, came here after being forced out by the Dorians. But similarly
the Achaeans of Argos, also forced out by the Dorians, headed by Tisamenos, occupied
the eastern Achaia, after besieging Eliki.
Up to then, the whole of Achaia was named after the Ions and was called Ionia
but was also called Aegialos, either because it was named after the king of Sikyona,
Aegialus, either because the whole region spread all along the coast (aegialos).
The Ions first reached Athens
and from there went to Asia Minor
where they founded twelve cities, the Ionian Dodecapolis, in remembrance of the
twelve cities they had left behind.
Preugenes and Patreus made three Ionian market towns into one. Those
three were Aroe, Mesati
and Antheia and having as
center Aroe they founded a new city that they called Patres, after Patreus. The
city' s name was in the plural because of the unification of many settlements.
The oldest of these three market towns was Aroe. Its founder was Eumelos who,
helped by Triptolemos of Eleusina, introduced the cultivation of grains. Eumelos
and Triptolemos later founded Antheia, which was named after Eumelos' son, Antheias.
Finally, at the market town of Mesati, they worshiped god Dionysus.
According to another tradition, Eurepelus, Euemonos' son, king of
the Thessalie, heading the Thessales after the Trojan War, he founded a colony
at Aroe.
After the Mycenean period and as Patras geographical position was
at the periphery of Greece and quite far from the big urban centers of that period,
such as Athens, Sparta, Corinth,
Chalkide etc., this city does not play an important role in the significant events
and the political evolutions that occur in the rest of the country. It does not
found colonies, neither is it active in the Persian wars, the Peloponnesian war
and the conflicts of the 4th century BC. The initiative of all movements of that
era belongs exclusively to Eastern Achaia. On the contrary, after 280 BC, Patras
plays a significant role in the foundation of the second Achaian League together
with the cities Dyme, Triteia
and Pharai and the initiative
of the political movements is transferred for the first time at the western Achaia.
Later on and after the roman occupation of Greece, in 146 BC, Patras plays the
main role and Augustus founds here a roman colony.
Patras' inactivity in the political field up to 146 BC seems to be
the cause for which only those events linked to other big cities are referred
by great ancient historians and not those events of local importance. So, we know
that even Patras did not take part in the Peloponnesian war (431-404 BC), Alkibiades
proposed to the inhabitants of this city to construct the Long Wall to link the
city around the acropolis to the port.
Patras' history after the excavations
By means of excavations, mainly the redeeming ones in building grounds,
many gaps of the city's history are now filled and many of the elements referred
to by ancient writers are now refuted.
From the elements known so far, it is obvious that Patras is firstly
inhabited in the 3rd millenium BC and not at the end of the 2nd, as we used to
believe. These very ancient traces of the city are located at the region where
Aroe is situated today. During the next middle-Hellenistic period, in the first
half of the 2nd millenium BC, another settlement is founded at the region. But
Patras starts flourishing for its first time during the post-Hellenistic or Mycenean
period (1580-1100 BC). The plethora of mycenean graves that were found at the
city (street Germanou) as well as at the surroundings, Voudeni, Aroe, Samakia,
Girokomio, Petroto (Achaia
Clauss), Krini, Saravali,
Kallithea and elsewhere, prove
not only that the population is significantly risen by then but that there are
also relations developed among the regions.
At the end of the Mycenean period, Patras' synoecism is nothing more
than a religious unification and a foundation of a common worship of goddess Artemis
and it was called Triklaria after the three settlements (klaros) that initially
existed in the area and participated in the festivities. The temple of Artemis
is located at Velvitsi where three precious sculptures from a gable of a classic
temple were found. Recent discovery of an inscription gives signs that Mesati
was situated at the region of Sichena and Voudeni. If we consider true the testimony
of ancient sources that Patras was founded at Aroe, then we have to look for it
at the place where the mediaeval fortress and today's Aroe are. The identification
of Antheia remains to be found but most probably it was at the hill of Mygdalia
at Petroto. Patras' acropolis, both mycanean and classic, is located under the
medieval fortress, at a depth of at least 20 meters and its excavation presents
various problems.
From the two periods that followed, Geometric and Archaic, only few
elements have seen the light and it seems that Patras had gradually started to
decline. On the contrary, during the classic period (5th and 4th century BC),
it seems that the political settlement of Patras gets organized and becomes a
city, because at some point in the middle of 5th century the most ancient cemetery
of the city, known as the Northern cemetery, is founded. Consequently, it seems
that the tradition about Patreus is possibly a more recent creation, maybe of
the Hellenistic period, when most of the cities in Greece invented settlers in
order to interpret the origin of their names.
The tradition that refers to Alcebiades' Long Wall seems to be based
on a real event as traces of the wall have been found during remedying excavations.
During the Hellenistic period, 323-146 BC, the town is extended to
the sea and a second cemetery, the South, is established. However, Patras reaches
its highest peak during the roman period when its port, because of the destruction
of Corinth's port, it plays the first role in the communication of Greece with
Italy. Moreover, the foundation of a roman colony in 14 BC by August promotes
Patras even more. A cadastral map is drawn up, privileges are given, crafts are
created, and the most important was that of earthen oil lamps which were exported
almost to the whole world of that time, two industrial zones are created, temples
are built, roads that render Patras a communication center are opened, streets
are paved with flagstones, foreign worships are introduced etc. The city is extended
up to the sea and the population rises to the point that another two cemeteries
are founded, the Eastern and the Southeastern. The land is reorganized and its
exploitation is now done through the farmhouses. Roman Emperors gave to Patras
the privilege to mint its own coins on which are inscribed the initials CAAP,
previously transcript as Colonia Augusta Aroe Patrensis, meaning Colony of August
at Aroe of Patras. Recently though, a coin with fully written the abbreviation
was found and so we read: Colonia Augusta Aroe Patrensis, meaning Colony of August
at Patras of Achaia.
But the roman emperors also created public buildings and offered other
benefactions such as the roman amphitheater, the roman aqueduct, the roman Odeon.
All these are proved by the dedicatory inscriptions found at those places where
emperors are characterized as benefactors. Patras is by then a cosmopolitan city.
But at the end of the 3rd century AD it falls into decline, most possibly because
of a strong earthquake that hit the whole of NE Peloponnese in 300 AD.
Medieval and Modern period
Nonetheless, there are still some little flashes, like in the old-Christian
and the first Byzantine period (4th-6th century AD), when new crafts are created.
It is assumed that during this period, the Byzantine castle that exists until
nowadays with some reparations and other accretions done by the Franks and the
Turks, is built by Justinian at the place of the ancient acropolis. The city is
extended around the fortress. In the middle of the 9th century AD, as we learn
from the tradition of the rich lady Daniilida, Patras flourishes. Then, it starts
following the track of the Byzantine State. Since the 13th century, it belongs
sometimes to the Franks, sometimes to the Byzantine, sometimes to the Venetians
and some other times to the Turks. The most important points of this track are:
the period from 1266 to 1430 with the occupation of the Franks, then the Byzantium
and in 1458 the occupation from the Turks. From 1687 to 1715, Patras was once
more occupied by the Venetians and then again from the Turks up the Liberation
in 1821.
After the liberation from the Turks, Patras develops fast thanks to
its port and the commerce that takes place through it. Beautiful neo-classic buildings
embellish the city whose roads all end up to the sea so that its bracing force
is not cut. Artistic and spiritual life is very intense. Gradually the heavy industry
develops, which has as a result the rise of the population. Today, Patras is one
of the most significant cities in Greece and its port is still playing the important
role that it had during all its long history.
Text by Michalis Petropoulos, archaeologist, ST' EPKA
This text is cited December 2004 from the West Greece Region General Secretariat URL below, which contains image.
PATRAI (Ancient city) ACHAIA
Patras' history according to written tradition
Patras' history was known until recently only by written tradition.
According to it, Patras was founded by the Achaeans of Sparta who, headed by Preugenes
and his son Patreus, came here after being forced out by the Dorians. But similarly
the Achaeans of Argos, also
forced out by the Dorians, headed by Tisamenos, occupied the eastern Achaia, after
besieging Eliki. Up to then,
the whole of Achaia was named after the Ions and was called Ionia but was also
called Aegialos, either because it was named after the king of Sikyona,
Aegialus, either because the whole region spreaded all along the coast (aegialos).
The Ions firstly took to Athens and from there to Asia
Minor where they founded twelve cities, the Ionian Dodecapolis, in remembrance
of the twelve cities they had left behind.
Preugenes and Patreus made three Ionian market towns into one. Those
three were Aroe, Mesati
and Antheia and having as
center Aroe they founded a new city that they called Patres after Patreus. The
city's name was in the plural because of the unification of many settlements.
The oldest of these three market towns was Aroe. Its founder was Eumelos who,
helped by Triptolemos of Eleusina,
introduces the cultivation of grains. Eumelos and Triptolemos later founded Antheia,
which was named after Eumelos' son, Antheias. Finally, at the market town of Mesati,
they worshiped god Dionysus.
According to another tradition, Eurepelus, Euemonos' son, king of
the Thessalie, heading the
Thessales after the Trojan War, he founded a colony at Aroe.
After the Mycenean period and as Patras geographical position was
at the periphery of Greece and quite far from the big urban centers of that period,
such as Athens, Sparta,
Corinth, Chalkide
etc., this city does not play an important role in the significant events and
the political evolutions that occur in the rest of the country. It does not found
colonies, neither is it active in the Persian wars, the Peloponnesian war and
the conflicts of the 4th century BC. The initiative of all movements of that era
belongs exclusively to Eastern Achaia. On the contrary, after 280 BC, Patras plays
a significant role in the foundation of the second Achaian League together with
the cities Dyme, Triteia
and Pharai and the initiative
of the political movements is transferred for the first time at the western Achaia.
Later on and after the roman occupation of Greece, in 146 BC, Patras plays the
main role and Augustus founds here a roman colony.
Patras' inactivity in the political field up to 146 BC seems to be
the cause for which only those events linked to other big cities are referred
by great ancient historians and not those events of local importance. So, we know
that even Patras did not take part in the Peloponnesian war (431-404 BC), Alkibiades
proposed to the inhabitants of this city to construct the Long Wall to link the
city around the acropolis to the port. Patras history after the excavations.
By means of excavations, mainly the redeeming ones in builing grounds,
many gaps of the city's history are now filled and many of the elements referred
by ancient writers are now refuted.
From the elements known so far, it is obvious that Patras is firstly
inhabited in the 3rd millenium BC and not at the end of the 2nd as we used to
believe. These very ancient traces of the city are located at the region where
Aroe is situated today. During the next Middle-Hellenistic period, in the first
half of the 2nd millenium BC, another settlement is founded at the region. But
Patras starts flourishing for its first time during the Post-Hellenistic or Mycenean
period (1580 - 1100 BC). The plenty of mycenean graves that were found at the
city (street Germanou) as well as at the surroundings, Voudeni, Aroe, Samakia,
Girokomio, Petroto (Achaia
Clauss), Krini, Saravali,
Kallithea and elsewhere, prove
not only that the population is significantly risen by then but that there are
also relations developed among the regions.
At the end of the Mycenean period, Patras' synoecism is nothing more
than a religious unification and a foundation of a common worship of goddess Artemis
and it was called Triklaria after the three settlements (klaros) that initially
existed in the area and participated in the festivities. The temple of Artemis
is located at Velvitsi where three precious sculptures from a gable of a classic
temple were found. Recent discovery of an inscription gives signs that Mesati
was situated at the region of Sichena and Voudeni. If we consider true the testimony
of ancient sources that Patras was founded at Aroe, then we have to look for it
at the place where the mediaeval fortress and today's Aroe are. The identification
of Antheia remains to be found but most probably it was at the hill of Mygdalia
at Petroto. Patras' acropolis, both mycanean and classic, is located under the
mediaeval fortress, at a depth of at least 20 meters and its excavation presents
various problems.
From the two periods that followed, Geometric and Archaic, only few
elements have seen the light and it seems that Patras had gradually started to
decline. On the contrary, during the classic period (5th and 4th century BC),
it seems that the politic settlement of Patras gets organized and becomes a city,
because at some point of the middle of 5th century the most ancient cemetery of
the city, known as the Northern cemetery, is founded. Consequently, it seems that
the tradition about Patreus is possibly a more recent creation, maybe of the Hellenistic
period, when most of the cities in Greece invented settlers in order to interpret
the origin of their names.
The tradition that refers to Alcebiades' Long Wall seems to be based
on a real event as traces of the wall have been found during remedying excavations.
During the Hellenistic period, 323-146 BC, the town is extended to
the sea and a second cemetery, the South, is established. Though, Patras reaches
its highest peak during the roman period when its port, because of the destruction
of Corinth's port, it plays the first role in the communication of Greece with
Italy. Moreover, the foundation of a roman colony in 14 BC by August promotes
Patras even more. A cadastral map in drawn up, privileges are given, crafts are
created, and the most important was that of earthen oil lamps which were exported
almost to the whole world of that time, two industrial zones are created, temples
are built, roads that render Patras a communication center are opened, streets
are paved with flagstones, foreign worships are introduced etc. The city is extended
up to the sea and the population rises to the point that another two cemeteries
are founded, the Eastern and the Southeastern. The land is reorganized and its
exploitation is now done through the farmhouses. Roman Emperors gave to Patras
the privilege to mint its own coins on which are inscribed the initials CAAP,
previously transcript as Colonia Augusta Aroe Patrensis, meaning Colony of August
at Aroe of Patras. Recently though, a coin with fully written the abbreviation
was found and so we read : Colonia Augusta Aroe Patrensis, meaning Colony of August
at Patras of Achaia.
But the roman emperors also created public buildings and offered other
benefactions such as the roman amphitheater, the roman aqueduct, the roman Odeon.
All these are proved by the dedicatory inscriptions found at those places where
emperors are characterized as benefactors.
Patras is by then a cosmopolitan city. But at the end of the 3rd century
AD it falls into decline, most possibly because of a strong earthquake that stroke
the whole of NE Peloponnese in 300 AD.
This extract is cited Apr 2003 from the Municipality of Patra URL below, which contains images.
PELLA (Ancient city) GIANNITSA
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