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 …
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 …
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 …
The Turkish Occupation
The Sultan broke his treaty. Instead of letting Gattelusi go free, he throw him into prison, together with his brother, after they had renounced Christianity, they were hanged. The sword of the conqueror divided the history of …