Kythira history

Legends and Early Settlements

The history of Kythira is rooted in deep antiquity, where myths intertwine with archaeological facts. According to Hesiod's "Theogony," it was off the shores of this island that the Goddess of Love, Aphrodite, was born from the sea foam before travelling to Cyprus. This legend made the island an important centre of worship in the ancient world.

Archaeological findings confirm that people settled these lands as early as the Neolithic era (around the 4th millennium BC). However, the true flourishing of early civilisation here is linked to the Minoans. By the Bronze Age, Kythira had become a vital naval base and trading post for Minoan Crete, as confirmed by excavations in the Kastri settlement area.

Key Factors of Formation

Kythira's development was defined by its unique location at the junction of the Ionian, Aegean, and Cretan seas. Geography played a decisive role in the island's destiny:

• Maritime Crossroads: The island served as a natural "bridge" between the Peloponnese and Crete, making it a mandatory stop for merchant vessels.
• Strategic Importance: In antiquity, Sparta and Athens fought for control over Kythira. For the Spartans, the island was a crucial outpost guarding the approaches to Laconia from the sea.
• Natural Harbours: The presence of convenient bays, such as Kapsali and Avlemonas, facilitated the development of navigation and trade.

Early Economy and Phoenician Heritage

Before the arrival of the Greeks, the Phoenicians significantly influenced the island's development. It was they who unlocked the economic potential of the local fauna. In ancient times, the island was often called Porphyrousa, which means "The Purple One".

This name arose due to the extraction of precious purple dye from sea molluscs inhabiting the coast. The production of this dye became the foundation of the island's early wealth, alongside the trade in wool and cheese, for which the local inhabitants were renowned.

Major Historical Milestones

• Around 2000 BC — A Minoan colony flourishes in the Kastri area, turning the island into a key trading hub between Crete and the Peloponnese.
• 424 BC — During the Peloponnesian War, the Athenian fleet under the command of Nicias captures the island, previously controlled by Sparta.
• 1207 — Following the Fourth Crusade, Kythira comes under the rule of the Venetian Republic and is governed by the noble Venier family.
• 1363 — The island officially becomes a colony of Venice, receiving the name Cerigo, which was used in Europe for centuries.
• 1503 — The Venetians begin massive fortification works and the construction of a fortress in the current capital, Chora, for protection against raids.
• 1537 — The famous Admiral Hayreddin Barbarossa launches an expedition to the island, resulting in the destruction of the ancient capital, Agios Dimitrios (Paleochora).
• 1797 — With the fall of the Venetian Republic, the French arrive on the island, symbolically burning the "Golden Book" of the local nobility in the square.
• 1800 — Kythira becomes part of the Septinsular Republic — the first Greek state entity in a long time.
• 1809 — The period of British rule begins, marked by the construction of substantial bridges, roads, and schools that survive to this day.
• 21 May 1864 — Kythira, along with the other Ionian Islands, is solemnly reunited with Greece.
• 1917 — During the National Schism, the island briefly declares itself an Autonomous Administration, supporting the government of Eleftherios Venizelos.
• 4 September 1944 — Kythira becomes the first territory of Greece to be liberated from occupation during the Second World War.

Key Stages of Development and Transformation

The development of Kythira is a story of transformation from a strategic military outpost to a peaceful tourist destination. The architectural appearance and economy of the island were shaped by the influence of successive powers, each leaving its mark on urban planning and culture.

• Venetian Urbanisation and Fortification (13th–18th Centuries)
  During this period, the foundation of the modern settlement structure was laid. The Venetians erected three key castles (in Chora, Kato Chora, and Mylopotamos), around which residential quarters formed. This defined the island's unique architectural style, combining Cycladic traditions with Venetian influence, which remains a hallmark of local tourism today.
• Shift of the Demographic Centre (16th Century)
  The destruction of the ancient capital Agios Dimitrios (Paleochora) in 1537 was a turning point in urban planning. The population was forced to leave settlements hidden in gorges and move under the protection of fortified castles in the south and west. This event redrew the map of the island, making Chora (the current capital) the administrative centre.
• Infrastructural Breakthrough of the British Period (1809–1864)
  The era of the British protectorate was marked by large-scale engineering projects. Under the leadership of Resident John MacPhail, a road network was created, and aqueducts, schools, and the famous Katouni stone bridge (the longest stone bridge in Greece) were built. These facilities significantly improved logistics and quality of life, and many function to this day.
• Cultural and Administrative Unification (Post-1864)
  After the reunion with Greece, the integration of the island into the national economic and educational system began. This strengthened the Greek identity and promoted the development of local self-government institutions, finally displacing the feudal order of the Venetian era.
• Diaspora Economy and the "Great Exodus" (20th Century)
  In the mid-20th century, Kythira experienced a powerful wave of emigration, mainly to Australia. The island's population shrank drastically, and many villages were left empty. However, this created a unique economic model: financial support from the diaspora helped preserve cultural sites and churches, and in recent decades, descendants of emigrants have become major investors in real estate and business.
• Transition to a Tourism Economy (Late 20th – 21st Centuries)
  The construction of the airport and the modernisation of ferry crossings (Diakofti) reoriented the economy from agriculture to the service sector. Today, the island's development focuses on sustainable tourism, the restoration of historical buildings into boutique hotels, and the promotion of cultural heritage.

Architectural Mosaic: From Byzantium to Britain

The architectural appearance of Kythira is unique for Greek islands. Unlike the white-and-blue palette of the Cyclades, a restrained palette of ochre and stone prevails here, and the urban planning reflects a turbulent history of changing conquerors. The island's towns and villages represent a fusion of Byzantine traditions, Venetian fortification, and British engineering thought.

Eras and Styles

The island's development was formed over centuries, and each era brought its own features to the local landscape:

• Byzantine Period (Middle Ages).
  Style: Byzantine religious architecture.
  During this period, architecture was primarily religious and defensive in nature. A prime example was the ancient capital Paleochora (Agios Dimitrios), built in a gorge for protection against pirates. Numerous chapels with frescoes, scattered throughout the island, have survived to this day.
• Venetian Rule (13th–18th Centuries).
  Style: Fortification architecture, Renaissance elements.
  The Venetians brought the culture of building powerful fortresses ("Kastro") to the island. Urban planning of this time was subject to military needs: narrow winding streets, high walls, and houses adjoining each other like a defensive belt. On the facades of old mansions in Chora, one can still find the coats of arms of the Venetian nobility.
• British Protectorate (19th Century).
  Style: Utilitarian Classicism, Engineering Gothic.
  The British left behind monumental public structures. This is an era of stone and strict geometry. Schools with high arched windows, markets, and lighthouses were erected. Special attention was paid to infrastructure — bridges and aqueducts that blend harmoniously into the natural landscape.
• Traditional Folk Architecture.
  Regardless of the rulers, ordinary residents built homes in a distinct style, close to the architecture of Crete and the Mani Peninsula. A characteristic feature is the use of stone arches ("volta") to support roofs and create cool interior spaces.

Iconic Structures and Districts

The look of Kythira is defined by several key sites that have become symbols of the island:

• Castle of Chora (Venetian Fortress). The dominant feature of the capital, rising above the sea. The fortress combines rugged bastions with elegant Venetian mansions within its walls. From here, a panoramic view of the double bay of Kapsali opens up.
• Katouni Bridge. A legacy of the British era. It is the largest stone bridge ever built in Greece (110 metres long). It is executed in a strict engineering style with perfectly aligned arches.
• Mylopotamos. A village where time seems to have stood still. Here lies the fortress of Kato Chora with preserved stone houses inside the perimeter, as well as old watermills in the gorge, demonstrating the industrial architecture of the past.
• Avlemonas. A small coastal settlement that is architecturally closest to the Cycladic style, but with a Venetian accent in the form of a small fort (Castello) at the harbour entrance.

Personalities Who Shaped the Island's History

The history of Kythira is rich with names whose influence extended far beyond the island. From ancient poets to modern directors, natives and residents of this place have left a significant mark on world culture, science, and politics.

Antiquity and Spiritual Patrons

• Philoxenus (435–380 BC)
  Role: Dithyrambic poet and musician.
  One of the most famous poets of antiquity, born on Kythira. He became famous at the court of the tyrant Dionysius of Syracuse, where, according to legend, he was sent to the quarries for criticising the ruler's verses. His innovative style in music and poetry influenced the development of ancient Greek drama.
• Saint Theodore of Kythira (10th Century)
  Role: Patron Saint of the island.
  A Byzantine monk who settled on Kythira during a period when the island was virtually uninhabited due to pirate raids. Through his asceticism, he contributed to the revival of Christian life and the repopulation of these lands. His relics are kept in the monastery of the same name near the village of Aroniadika.

Rulers and Reformers

• Marco Venier (13th Century)
  Role: Founder of the Venetian dynasty of rulers.
  A Venetian nobleman who became the first Marquis of Cerigo (the Venetian name for Kythira) after the Fourth Crusade. The Venier family ruled the island for centuries, defining its architectural appearance and administrative structure, traces of which are visible in the castles of Chora and Mylopotamos.
• John MacPhail (19th Century)
  Role: British Resident (Governor).
  A Scottish engineer and administrator who governed the island during the British protectorate. Kythira owes its unique infrastructure to him: he designed and built the famous Katouni Bridge, the road system, lighthouses, and schools, many of which are still functioning.

Figures in Science, Culture, and Politics

• Valerios Stais (1857–1923)
  Role: Archaeologist.
  A distinguished scientist and native of Kythira, who headed the National Archaeological Museum of Athens for many years. He gained worldwide fame for studying findings from a shipwreck near Antikythera: it was Stais who first recognised the famous Antikythera Mechanism — the first analogue computer of antiquity — in a lump of corroded bronze.
• Panos Koroneos (1809–1899)
  Role: General and Minister of War of Greece.
  A hero of the national liberation struggle who began his career in the "Greek Legion" during the Crimean War and rose to the highest posts in the state. He played a key role in the modernisation of the Greek army in the 19th century.
• Rosa Kassimati (19th Century)
  Role: Aristocrat, mother of writer Lafcadio Hearn.
  A representative of a noble Kytherian family. Her marriage to Irish officer Charles Hearn gave the world Lafcadio Hearn (Koizumi Yakumo) — a writer who introduced the West to the culture of Japan. Although Hearn himself was born on Lefkada, he was always proud of his origins from Kythira (ancient Cythera).
• George Miller (born 1945)
  Role: Film director, screenwriter, producer.
  The world-renowned creator of the "Mad Max" franchise and an Oscar winner. Miller was born in Australia to a family of emigrants from Kythira (his father's surname was Miliotis). He is a prime example of the success of the Kytherian diaspora, which maintains close ties with its historical homeland.