Karpathos history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Karpathos is rooted in deep antiquity and is closely intertwined with mythology. According to legends, the first inhabitant of these lands was the Titan Iapetus, son of Uranus and Gaia. In historical sources, the island is first mentioned in Homer's famous "Iliad" under the name "Krapathos", which refers to its participation in the Trojan War.

Archaeological data indicates that the first settlements appeared here as early as the Neolithic era. Later, the island came under the strong influence of the Minoan civilization from neighbouring Crete, and was subsequently settled by the Mycenaeans, laying the foundation for future urban development.

Key Factors of Formation

The transformation of Karpathos into a significant centre of the ancient world was driven by several important factors:

• Strategic Geography: Its location between two major islands, Rhodes and Crete, made Karpathos a natural "bridge" in the trade routes of the southern Aegean Sea.
• Natural Harbours: The site occupied by the modern capital (Pigadia) was known in antiquity as the city of Potideon. Its convenient bay facilitated the development of navigation and the reception of merchant vessels.
• The Tetrapolis System: In the classical era, a unique political structure of four city-states formed on the island: Potideon, Arkesia, Vrykous, and Nisyros. This allowed for the efficient management of territory and resources.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economy of early Karpathos was based on maritime trade and agriculture. The island was renowned for its fertility, olive groves, and vineyards. An important stage in economic development was its entry into the First Athenian League (Delian League) in the 5th century BC, which integrated local cities into the general economic system of Ancient Greece.

Culturally, a decisive role was played by the migration of the Dorians around 1000 BC. They brought their customs and language, traces of which have surprisingly been preserved in the local dialect to this day, making the culture of Karpathos unique even by the standards of rich Greek history.

Key Milestones in the History of Karpathos

• Around 3000 BC — The first settlements appear on the island, associated with the development of the Minoan civilization arriving from Crete.
• Around 1000 BC — The Dorians settle Karpathos and found four cities, forming the famous Tetrapolis.
• 478 BC — The island joins the First Athenian League, becoming an ally of Athens in the struggle against the Persians.
• 42 BC — Karpathos passes under the rule of Rome, receiving the status of a free territory (Libera) under the protection of the empire.
• 7th Century AD — During the Byzantine period, the island suffers from frequent raids, forcing residents to retreat deep into the mountains.
• 1306 — The Venetian Cornaro family seizes power over the island; their rule lasts for more than two centuries.
• 1538 — The Ottoman fleet under the command of Hayreddin Barbarossa captures Karpathos, annexing it to the Ottoman Empire.
• 1821 — The island's inhabitants actively support the Greek War of Independence, yet under the London Protocol, Karpathos remains under Turkish rule.
• May 1912 — During the Italo-Turkish War, Italian troops occupy the island, beginning the period of Italian rule in the Dodecanese.
• 1943 — During World War II, following the capitulation of Italy, control of the island passes to German forces.
• October 1944 — An uprising of local residents breaks out on Karpathos, leading to the expulsion of the occupiers even before the arrival of Allied forces.
• 7 March 1948 — Karpathos, along with other islands of the Dodecanese, officially reunites with Greece.

Stages of Formation and Infrastructure Development

The development of Karpathos as an administrative and economic centre is inextricably linked to the transformation of its capital — the city of Pigadia (officially Karpathos), as well as key settlements on the island. Several turning points can be identified that defined the modern appearance and way of life of the region:

• Revival of the Potideon Port (Late 19th Century):

  On the site of the ancient city of Potideon, the modern capital — Pigadia — began to form. Residents of mountain villages started descending to the sea to engage in trade. This marked the transition from a closed agrarian economy to open maritime trade and fishing.

• Italian Urbanization (1912–1943):

  The period of Italian rule was a time of large-scale urban planning. Administrative buildings were erected in the Rationalist style, the waterfront was designed, and the port was modernized. It was during this time that the capital acquired the features of a European city, and the road network began to connect scattered settlements.

• Cultural Conservation of Olymbos (Middle Ages – 20th Century):

  While coastal zones developed, the mountain settlement of Olymbos remained in isolation. This led to a unique cultural phenomenon: the preservation of an archaic dialect, traditional costumes, and matriarchal traditions, which today serve as the island's main ethnographic asset and a magnet for cultural tourism.

• Diaspora Contribution to the Economy (1950–1970s):

  After World War II, mass emigration of Karpathians to the USA, Canada, and Australia began. Remittances from the diaspora became the foundation for restoring housing stock and building new homes, which significantly improved the quality of life and the architectural appearance of the towns.

• Construction of the Airport (1970):

  The opening of air connections became a key driver of the economy. This event brought Karpathos out of transport isolation, allowing for the development of international tourism and attracting investment into the hospitality sector, without relying solely on ferry services.

• Modern Tourism Reorientation (from the 1980s):

  A gradual shift away from agriculture in favour of the service sector. In Pigadia and resort zones (Amoopi, Arkasa), active construction of hotels and restaurants began, which finally formed the current economic model of the island, oriented towards welcoming guests.

Urban Evolution: From Mountains to the Sea

The architectural appearance of Karpathos was formed under the influence of the need for protection from external threats and the subsequent opening up to the world. Urban development can be divided into two key vectors:

• Defensive Urbanization (Middle Ages): Due to constant pirate raids, the population abandoned coastal ancient cities and founded settlements in inaccessible mountain areas. The brightest example is the village of Olymbos, built as a fortress-city on a mountain ridge, where houses stand close to one another, forming an external defensive wall.
• Coastal Expansion (19th–20th Centuries): With the establishment of security in the Mediterranean, life returned to the sea. The capital, Pigadia, was rebuilt on the site of ancient Potideon, receiving a more regular layout oriented around the port and the promenade.

Architectural Styles and Eras

Unlike mainland Europe, Gothic or lavish Baroque styles are not represented on the island. Here, island functionalism and the legacy of occupational periods dominate. The main styles correlate with historical stages as follows:

• Byzantine Style and Vernacular Architecture (Middle Ages — 19th Century):

  Characteristic of mountain villages (Mesochori, Olymbos). These are simple cubic forms, flat roofs, and narrow cobbled streets. Stone houses are often whitewashed with lime, and interiors are decorated with traditional wooden carving and textiles (the so-called "Karpathian house").

• Italian Rationalism and Eclecticism (1912–1943):

  The period of Italian rule in the Dodecanese brought monumental architecture to the island. The Italians sought to demonstrate the power of the state through the construction of administrative buildings, combining the strict lines of modernism with elements of Venetian and Oriental styles.

• Neoclassicism (20th Century):

  The influence of the wealthy diaspora. Emigrants returning from the USA and Canada built spacious mansions in Pigadia and other villages with tiled roofs, balconies, and coloured facades, introducing elements of classical architecture into the local landscape.

Landmark Buildings and Sites

The appearance of Karpathos is defined by several key structures reflecting different pages of its history:

• The Eparchio Building (Pigadia): The most famous monument of the Italian era. An administrative complex at the entrance to the port, built in the style of Dodecanesian Eclecticism. It is distinguished by characteristic arches and a tower, dominating the harbour.
• Church of the Assumption of the Virgin (Menetes): A majestic 19th-century temple rising on the edge of a cliff. It is an example of the island's late ecclesiastical architecture using local stone.
• Acropolis of Arkasa (Paleokastro): Ruins of ancient fortifications and the early Christian Basilica of Saint Anastasia with mosaic floors, demonstrating the layering of ancient and Byzantine eras.

Legendary Figures and Antiquity

• Minos — Mythical King of Crete.
  A figure linking the history of Karpathos with the great Minoan civilization. According to legends and the records of Diodorus Siculus, it was Minos who sent the first settlers to the island, which determined the cultural vector of the region's development for centuries to come.
• Homer — Great Ancient Greek Poet.
  In his immortal epic "The Iliad", he mentioned the island under the name "Krapathos". Thanks to this mention, Karpathos forever entered world literature as a participant in the Trojan War that sent its ships to the walls of Troy.

Rulers and Aristocracy

• Leo Gavalas — Byzantine Ruler.
  In the complex historical period of the early 13th century, after the fall of Constantinople, he proclaimed himself "Caesar" and ruler of the islands, including Karpathos. His rule marked a short but vivid period of the region's independence from major empires.
• Andrea Cornaro — Venetian Nobleman.
  A representative of the noble dynasty that established Venetian power on the island in the 14th century. The Cornaro era left a deep imprint on the administrative structure and architecture of Karpathos, integrating it into the Mediterranean trade network.

Guardians of Heritage and Arts

• Emmanuel Manolakis — Historian and Educator (19th Century).
  Author of the fundamental work "Karpathakia" (1896). His work became an invaluable source of knowledge about the island's past, recording oral traditions, ancient customs, and historical facts that might otherwise have been lost.
• Michael Michailides — Folklorist and Researcher.
  Dedicated his activities to collecting the unique musical and poetic heritage of Karpathos. Thanks to his efforts, many traditional songs and "mantinades" (rhyming couplets), which are the soul of local culture, have been preserved.
• Kostis Minas — Linguist and Professor.
  An outstanding scholar who studied the famous Karpathian dialect, considered a direct descendant of the ancient Doric language. His research helped the world learn about the island's unique linguistic phenomenon.
• Yiannis Hatzivasilis — Folk Artist.
  A master whose vibrant canvases and icons reflect everyday life, festivals, and landscapes of Karpathos. His work has become a visual chronicle of the island, understandable and relatable to every guest.