Naxos through History

Published on 28 March 2022

«If heaven was a place on earth, it would be in Naxos» wrote the famous Greek writer Nikos Kazantzakis who was enchanted by the island and its alluring beauties. Naxos, the largest island of the Cyclades, a place where history meets nature, has sculpted out a reputation as one of the most family-friendly destinations in Greece. In Greek mythology, Naxos was the place where Zeus, the father of the Greek Gods was raised, hiding away from his father Kronos. In Naxos, Dionysus grew up too, the god of fruitfulness and wine, and it is here, in this magical place, where, according to myth, Ariadne and King Theseus stopped to rest, after killing Minotaur in Crete. When Theseus went to Athens and left Ariadne behind in Naxos, Dionysus met her and married her immediately. The island of Naxos has a very long and rich history, dating back to the 4th millennium BC. Its first residents are thought to have emigrated there from Thrace. Naxos’s first important flourishing era was the period of Cycladic Civilization, between 3000 and 2000 BC, thanks to trade, seafaring, and the island’s mineral abundance, particularly in marble and emery.

The famous Portara, the emblematic Naxos’ Temple of Apollo, was built around 530 BC, while the two oversized and incomplete stone statues, known as Kouroi, date back to the early 6^th century BC.

During the classical era, Naxos history was characterized by great cultural achievements and long battles. In 490 B.C, the Persians attacked the island and the whole town was destroyed.

In the 4^th century, Athenian and Spartan forces fought for control over the island. After 41 B.C Naxos became part of the Roman empire and the island was governed from Rhodians. Romans often used the island as a place of exile. During the Byzantine era, many churches and monasteries were built on the island.

Around 1207 AD, the Venetian Marco Sanudo with his forces conquered the island and established the Duchy of the Aegean with Naxos as the capital.

In Chora of the island Sanudo built its fortified castle. The Venetians ruled Naxos for 300 years long and their influence is still profound until today.

From 1537 to 1821, the island was part of the Ottoman Empire. On May 6, 1821, Naxos joined the Greek war of Independence.

Today, the island’s farm produce and tourism provide it with economic self-sufficiency. Tourism has been on the rise since the 1980’s, but only by the 21st century has it made it the main source of income for many of the islanders.

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