Mytilene history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Mytilene is rooted in deep antiquity. The city was founded approximately in the 11th century BC by the Aeolians, a Greek tribe that colonized the island of Lesbos. According to myths, the settlement received its name in honour of Mytilene, the daughter of the legendary King Macareus.

Ancient sources already mention the city as a significant centre. Archaeological finds confirm that people have continuously inhabited this territory since the Late Bronze Age, gradually transforming a small settlement into a powerful city-state (polis).

Key Factors of Formation

The transformation of Mytilene into the dominant city of the region was driven by a number of strategic advantages:

• Unique Geography: Initially, the historical core of the city was located on a small islet separated from the main island by a narrow strait (which later turned into a canal). This allowed for the creation of two natural, protected harbours—the North and the South—which provided a huge advantage for the naval fleet.
• Commercial Influence: Its location at the crossroads of maritime routes in the north-eastern part of the Aegean Sea allowed the city to control trade with the coast of Asia Minor and the Black Sea region.
• Political Power: Thanks to a strong fleet and a favourable location, Mytilene quickly rose above the other cities of Lesbos, becoming the political centre of the island.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the Archaic period (7th–6th centuries BC), Mytilene reached its highest peak, becoming one of the brightest cultural beacons of Hellas. The city became famous as the homeland of the great poetess Sappho and the poet Alcaeus, as well as one of the "Seven Sages" of antiquity—the ruler Pittacus.

The city's economy was based on the export of the famous wine from Lesbos, olive oil, and grain. Mytilene was one of the first cities to begin minting its own coins from electrum (an alloy of gold and silver), which testifies to the high level of its economic development and financial independence in the early era.

Key Historical Milestones

• 11th century BC — Aeolian colonists found a settlement on an islet off the coast of Lesbos, which subsequently becomes the centre of the island.
• 7th–6th centuries BC — During the reign of the tyrant Pittacus, the city experiences a "Golden Age" of culture and economy, becoming the home of the poetess Sappho.
• 428 BC — Mytilene launches a revolt against Athens during the Peloponnesian War, which ends with the city's capitulation.
• 80 BC — Roman troops capture the city after a long siege, in which a young Julius Caesar participated.
• 52 AD — Apostle Paul visits the city during his third missionary journey, as mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles.
• 1355 — The Byzantine Emperor hands Lesbos over to the Genovese Gattiluso family, under whom the city fortress is significantly rebuilt and strengthened.
• 1462 — The city is conquered by the troops of the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II, marking the beginning of centuries of Turkish rule.
• 1912 — On November 8, the Greek fleet under the command of Admiral Kountouriotis liberates the city, uniting it with Greece.
• 1923 — As a result of the Treaty of Lausanne and the population exchange, the city receives thousands of refugees from Asia Minor, which radically changes its demographics.
• 1944 — The end of the German occupation during World War II and the city's return to peaceful life.
• 1984 — The headquarters of the University of the Aegean opens in Mytilene, turning the city into an important student and scientific centre.

Stages of City Development and Transformation

Mytilene has come a long way from an ancient polis to a modern administrative centre. Each era left its mark on the architecture, layout, and way of life, forming the unique appearance that tourists see today.

• Creation of the Double Harbour System (Antiquity).

  The most important urban planning decision of antiquity was the use of the canal (Euripus) separating the fortress hill from the rest of the island. This allowed for the organization of two ports—the North and the South—protected from different winds. Such an arrangement turned the city into an ideal transit hub and laid the foundation for its commercial power for millennia.

• Fortification of the Gattiluso Era (14th–15th centuries).

  The period of the Genovese dynasty's rule was marked by a large-scale reconstruction of the city fortress. This turned Mytilene into one of the most powerful citadels in the Aegean basin. The fortress became the dominant urban structure around which residential quarters formed, and it remains the main symbol of the city today.

• The "Olive Boom" and Industrialization (19th century).

  During this time, a radical economic transformation occurred. The city became a centre for olive processing and soap production. Industrial buildings and warehouses rose along the coast, and active maritime trade with Marseille and Odessa brought significant capital into the city.

• The Flourishing of Neoclassical Architecture (Late 19th – Early 20th century).

  Economic success entailed cultural and visual changes. Wealthy merchants began to mass-construct luxurious mansions ("archontika"), combining European classicism with Eastern elements. These buildings are today the hallmark of Mytilene, lending it an aristocratic charm.

• Urban Expansion (1920s).

  The influx of population from Asia Minor in the early 20th century led to a sharp increase in the city's area. New districts were built, and neighbourhoods with a special atmosphere and layout emerged. This event also enriched the local culture, cuisine, and music, making the city more multifaceted.

• Transformation into a University Centre (1984).

  The opening of the University of the Aegean headquarters became a key driver of modern development. The influx of youth and the academic community revitalized the urban environment, stimulating the opening of numerous cafes, bookstores, and art spaces, turning the quiet city into a dynamic educational hub.

Architectural Evolution: A Fusion of East and West

The architectural appearance of Mytilene represents a unique mosaic where Western European influences and Eastern traditions are harmoniously intertwined. The urban development of the city was dictated by its role as a major trading port: from the fortified core around the fortress, the city "flowed" towards the sea, growing with residential quarters and commercial zones along the embankment.

Main Styles and Historical Eras

Several key periods can be clearly traced in the city's development, each bringing its own stylistic features:

• Medieval Fortification (Byzantine and Genovese Periods). The dominant feature of the old town is the majestic fortress (Kastro). Its architecture is strictly utilitarian and monumental: massive walls, bastions, and towers are built of stone using spolia (elements of ancient structures). This is a vivid example of Mediterranean military architecture of the 14th–15th centuries.
• Ottoman Architecture and Vernacular Style (16th–19th centuries). Traces of Ottoman influence have been preserved in the old quarters. These include mosques (such as Yeni Cami), hammams, and fountains. Residential buildings of that time are characterized by traditional Balkan houses with sahnisia—protruding wooden enclosed balconies on the second floors, hanging over the narrow streets.
• Neoclassicism and Eclecticism (19th – Early 20th centuries). This is the "Golden Era" of Mytilene's architecture. Local merchants who became wealthy from trade and industry and travelled to Europe brought back the fashion for Western styles. The city was adorned with luxurious mansions ("archontika"), in which strict classicism mixed with elements of Baroque, Renaissance, and even Neo-Gothic styles.
• Modernism and Modernity (20th century). After 1912, and especially after 1922 (the arrival of refugees), the city expanded. Buildings in the style of early modernism and functionalism appeared, including public structures and new residential areas, such as Synoikismos.

Iconic Buildings and Districts

Specific architectural monuments give the city a special atmosphere and have become its calling cards:

• Church of Saint Therapon (Agios Therapon). The most recognizable building at the port. This temple is a masterpiece of eclecticism, built in the second half of the 19th century. Its immense dome and facade combine Byzantine traditions, Gothic pointed elements, and Baroque opulence, which is atypical for Greek island architecture.
• Kioski and Sourada Districts. These are aristocratic quarters where the most impressive neoclassical mansions are concentrated. The buildings here are surrounded by gardens and are distinguished by rich decor: marble staircases, columns, painted ceilings, and wrought-iron fences.
• Statue of Liberty. Mytilene's port features its own version of the famous statue (a bronze figure of a woman with a torch), created in 1930 to honour the liberation of the island. It stands on a pedestal in the classical style and greets ships entering the harbour.

Prominent Personalities of Mytilene

The history of the city and the island of Lesbos is inextricably linked with the names of great creators, rulers, and thinkers. People who have had a colossal influence on world culture, politics, and art were born and created here.

• Sappho (7th–6th centuries BC) — Ancient Greek Poetess.
  One of the most significant figures of ancient literature, whom Plato called the "Tenth Muse". She was born on Lesbos and lived most of her life in Mytilene, where she led a circle of noble young women, teaching them music and poetry. Her lyrical poetry became a standard of emotionality and sincerity.
• Pittacus (c. 640–568 BC) — Ruler and Lawgiver.
  Tyrant (ruler) of Mytilene, who went down in history as one of the "Seven Sages" of Ancient Greece. He managed to end civil strife in the city, limited the power of the aristocracy, and issued a number of wise laws. He is credited with the saying: "It is hard to be a good man."
• Alcaeus (7th–6th centuries BC) — Lyric Poet and Musician.
  A contemporary and possibly a beloved of Sappho. A representative of the aristocratic opposition, he wrote extensively about politics, war, and banquets. He invented a special poetic meter, which became known as the "Alcaic stanza".
• Hayreddin Barbarossa (c. 1478–1546) — Admiral and Naval Commander.
  One of the most famous corsairs in history and the Grand Admiral of the Ottoman Empire. He was born on Lesbos to a retired Sipahi and a local Christian woman. His activities turned the Mediterranean Sea into an "Ottoman lake" in the 16th century.
• Theophilos Hatzimihail (c. 1870–1934) — Folk Painter.
  The brightest representative of Greek naïve art. He lived and worked in Mytilene and its surroundings, often paying for food in taverns with his paintings and frescoes. Today, a museum dedicated to his work operates in a suburb of Mytilene (Varia).
• Odysseas Elytis (1911–1996) — Poet, Nobel Laureate.
  Although the poet was born in Crete, his family (Alepoudelis) hailed from Mytilene, and he considered the island his spiritual homeland, often praising it in his verses. The international airport of Mytilene is named in honour of Elytis, emphasizing his close connection with this land.