Author: tomek

Museums ??? Monuments ??? Monasteries #1

The history of Lesvos dates back to the early years of the first millennium B.C. Remnants of ancient temples, public baths, churches, mansions or castles witness the island???s cultural …

Folk ??? Tradition

In few places are nature and the human presence so harmoniously combined as in Lesvos. Most villages preserve their architectural heritage almost intact. The materials mostly used in construction are stone and wood. The small ???towers?? are …

Lesvos Culture #1

Art and culture, especially poetry, have been some of the most prosperous fields in which Lesvos has had an extremely active presence since the early antiquity. According to mythology Orpheus???s head and lyre were carried away by …

Lesvos Culture #2

Music and poetry have always been among the favourite activities undertaken by the inhabitants of the island. Terpandros from Antissa, Arion from Mithimna who according to the myth – was singing travelling on the back of a …

Saphho

Sapfo was born in Eresos. She was also involved in politics following the island’s tradition that allowed women to actively participate in local affairs. She was also exiled to Sicily and returned to Lesvos to open a dance and …

Ancient Times

Lesvos, concerning the evidence that archaeological excavations have bought to light, has been inhabited since at least the Neolithic period. During the Bronze Age it had already developed an exceptionally advanced civilization.
In 1507 B.C. the island was …

Historical Times

When the Persians seized the state of Lydia in 456 B.C., Lesvos came under their control. In 527 it took part in the campaign of Kamvysis, King of the Medians and the Persians, against Egypt and in 513 …

Roman Period

In 88 B.C., the Romans dominated the island. In the various battles that occurred during the siege of Mitilini, the young Julius Caesar distinguished himself by his bravery. The fall of the town was considered a great event …

The Byzantine Period

When the Roman Empire was divided into Eastern and Western sections, Lesvos became part of the Eastern, that is, the Byzantine Empire. The Byzantines neglected the island. They used it as the Roman’s had, as a place …

The Hegemony of the Gattelusi

In 1354 Lesvos was ceded as a dowry to the Genoese noble, Francesco Gattelusi, son-in-law of the Emperor John Palaeologos and he ruled until 1376. From the beginning he showed an interest in the well-being …