History of Myrina

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of the city of Myrina, the capital of the island of Lemnos, is inextricably linked with ancient Greek mythology. According to legends, the city received its name in honour of the wife of the island's first mythical king — Thoas. Archaeological data indicates that a settlement existed on this site as early as the Bronze Age, and the first written mentions of it are found in the works of ancient historians describing the life for which ancient Greece was famous.

Key Factors of Development

Several important circumstances contributed to the transformation of a small settlement into a significant centre:

• Geographical Location: The city is situated between two convenient bays, separated by an imposing rocky cape. This created ideal conditions for the construction of a port and defence against enemies.
• Defensive Potential: The rocky peninsula became a natural foundation for the erection of a fortress, which served as a guarantee of safety for local residents for centuries.
• Political Ties: In the ancient period, the city was often under the influence of Athens, which contributed to its architectural and social development.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economy of the early period was based on the wealth of the island's natural resources. Thanks to the volcanic origin of the soils, the region was famous for its agriculture, especially the cultivation of cereals and vines. The cultural life of the townspeople was closely interwoven with the reverence for the smith-god Hephaestus, who was considered the patron of Lemnos. This was reflected in the high skill of local craftsmen, especially in metalworking and the creation of ceramics.

Key Historical Milestones

• 12th century BC — According to myths, the foundation of the city by King Thoas, who named it in honour of his wife, Queen Myrina.
• 512 BC — Conquest of the island by Persian troops under the command of General Otanes during the Greco-Persian Wars.
• 477 BC — Entry into the Delian League and transition under the political and cultural influence of Athens.
• 166 BC — The Roman Senate officially transfers the administration of the island to Athens, preserving the city's status as an important port.
• 1186 — Byzantine Emperor Andronikos I Komnenos begins the large-scale construction of a fortress on the rocky cape for protection against pirates.
• 1207 — Establishment of Venetian rule under the Navigajoso dynasty, during which Myrina (then known as Kastro) becomes the island's main trading centre.
• 1479 — The city passes under the rule of the Ottoman Empire, becoming the administrative centre of the Sanjak of Lemnos.
• 1770 — During the Orlov Revolt, the city is temporarily occupied by the Russian squadrons of Count Alexei Orlov.
• October 8, 1912 — Liberation of the city by the Greek fleet under the command of Admiral Kountouriotis and reunification with the state of Greece.
• 1915 — Use of the city harbour as one of the bases for Allied troops during the Dardanelles Operation of World War I.
• 1941–1944 — Period of German occupation during World War II, ending with the liberation of the island.
• 1955 — Official return of the historical ancient name Myrina to the city, replacing the name Kastro which had been used for centuries.

Stages of Urban and Cultural Development

The appearance with which Myrina welcomes guests today was formed over centuries. Each historical era brought its own changes to the street layout, architectural style, and economic structure of the capital of Lemnos. Several key transformations that defined the city's destiny can be highlighted:

• Construction of the Byzantine Citadel (12th century). The decision of Emperor Andronikos I Komnenos to erect a powerful fortress on the top of a volcanic rock became a city-forming factor. This structure not only provided protection against pirate raids but also shifted the centre of city life closer to the sea, forming the recognizable silhouette of the city.
• Venetian Trade Expansion (13th century). Under the administration of the Navigajoso dynasty, the city (called Kastro at that time) turned into a prosperous trading hub ("Grand Kastro"). The economic importance of the port increased, which attracted merchants and contributed to the development of port infrastructure.
• Architectural Zoning of the Ottoman Period. Over several centuries, the urban environment was clearly divided into two parts, preserved to this day. The "Turkish Shore" (Tourkikos Gialos) with a bazaar and coffee houses, and the "Greek Shore" (Romeikos Gialos), where wealthy shipowners built luxurious neoclassical mansions, emerged.
• Integration and Modernisation (after 1912). Reunification with the state of Greece gave an impetus to the renewal of the administrative system and the urban environment. New public buildings, schools, and roads were built, which consolidated the city's status as the main administrative centre of the island.
• Urbanisation of the 1920s. The influx of refugees from Asia Minor led to a significant expansion of the city boundaries. Completely new residential quarters appeared (for example, in the Nea Madytos area), which stimulated a construction boom and introduced new traditions into the local culture and cuisine.
• Return to Roots (1955). The official name change from Kastro to the ancient Myrina became an important cultural step. This event symbolised a reorientation towards preserving historical heritage, which subsequently formed the basis for the development of cultural tourism in the region.

Architectural Appearance: A Blend of Cultures and Eras

The urban fabric of the city of Myrina represents a unique mosaic, where Western and Eastern traditions intertwined under the influence of the region's complex history. Unlike many cities where styles replaced each other sequentially, here they coexist geographically, dividing the space into distinctive zones.

Dominance of Military Architecture

The architectural core of the city is the majestic fortress (Kastro), rising on the rocky cape. It is a classic example of medieval fortification architecture, which was formed in several stages:

• Byzantine Period: Laying of the foundation and main walls (12th century), utilizing the natural volcanic terrain for defence.
• Venetian Style: Reinforcement of walls, construction of powerful bastions and internal reservoirs in the 13th century, characteristic of the maritime powers of the Mediterranean of that era.

Urban Duality: Two Shores

A unique feature of Myrina is the clear architectural division of the coastal zone into two districts, each reflecting a specific era and social structure with which Greece is rich:

• Tourkikos Gialos (South Bay). Here, traditional folk architecture with noticeable Ottoman influence prevails. The district is characterised by dense buildings, narrow paved streets, and small two-storey houses with wooden balconies, where craftsmen and fishermen historically settled.
• Romeikos Gialos (North Bay). This promenade is a bright showcase of neoclassicism of the 19th century. The district was developed by wealthy shipowners and Greeks returning from Egypt (the so-called "Egyptiotes"). Key features of the style here include:
  • Majestic mansions ("archontika") with symmetrical facades.
  • Use of local hewn stone and elegant wrought-iron grilles.
  • High windows and grand entrances with columns.

Development in the 20th Century

With the influx of population in the 1920s, the city expanded beyond the historical quarters. The Nea Madytos district emerged, built in a more utilitarian style that anticipated early modernism and functionalism. Here, the street layout became regular (grid-like), and the architecture became simple and concise, solving the task of quickly and comfortably accommodating new residents.

Prominent Figures in the City's History

The chronicle of the capital of Lemnos is rich in names that have left a mark on culture, politics, and art. From mythical rulers to modern artists — here is a list of persons with whom Myrina and its historical heritage are inextricably linked.

• Queen Myrina (Mythological Era)
  Ruler
  Daughter of the King of Crete and wife of the first King of Lemnos, Thoas. It was in her honour that the city was named. According to ancient legends, she possessed a warlike character and, according to some versions, led the Amazons.
• Philostratus the Elder (Flavius Philostratus) (c. 170–247 AD)
  Sophist and Writer
  An outstanding representative of the "Second Sophistic," born on Lemnos. His literary works, including "Lives of the Sophists," are crucial sources of knowledge about the intellectual life for which ancient Greece was famous.
• Filocalo Navigajoso (died 1214)
  Venetian Noble, Megadux
  The first ruler of the island from the Navigajoso dynasty after the Fourth Crusade. His historical significance lies in the large-scale reconstruction of the city fortress, which defined the architectural appearance of the city for centuries to come.
• Pavlos Kountouriotis (1855–1935)
  Admiral and Statesman
  Commander of the fleet that liberated the island in 1912. He turned the city harbour into a strategic base for the flagship "Georgios Averof," which played a decisive role in establishing control over the Aegean Sea.
• Ilias Iliou (1904–1985)
  Jurist and Politician
  A native of the city who became one of the most brilliant figures in Greek politics of the 20th century. Known as a brilliant orator, human rights defender, and intellectual who translated ancient literature.
• Rallis Kopsidis (1929–2010)
  Painter, Engraver, and Writer
  Born and raised in Myrina. His work, combining modernism with Byzantine and folk traditions, became an important part of the island's cultural code. Author of books describing the everyday life and atmosphere of his native city.
• Maria Lampadaridou-Pothou (born 1933)
  Writer and Poetess
  A modern classic of literature born in this city. Her philosophical novels and poetry have received international recognition and were awarded prestigious prizes by the Academy of Athens.