THE ISLAND

A Very Brief History of Kythera

The location of Kythera, as one of the major maritime crossroads of the Mediterranean, has meant that it has always been an important place. Different military and commercial powers have sought to use the island as a “base of operations,” and it has been fought over, conquered, reconquered, time and time again. But, as a crossroads of culture, Kythera has been influenced by peoples from all parts of the ancient and modern worlds an it has played a significant role in all periods, from its first reordered human occupation, in the Late Neolithic Age (ca. 5300 B.C. or over 7000 years ago) until today.

Recent archaeological discoveries on Kythera have shown that humans have lived on Kythera from the Late Neolithic period onward, that is, from around 5300 B.C. (or over 7000 years ago). These people, we think, came from the Greek mainland (i.e., the Peloponnesos, which is only some 20 km [12.5 miles] from Kythera. By the Early Bronze Age (ca. 2700-2200 B.C.) we have good evidence of significant settlements on Kythera, especially in the northern part of the island, and from around 2500 B.C. we can trace the beginning of Minoan activity on Kythera. The Minoans, of course, had already developed a highly sophisticated civilization on Crete and their presence resulted in a period of efflorescence in Kythera. One result of this is the “peak sanctuary” (i.e., a Minoan mountain-top place of worship) at Ayios Georgios sto Vouno above Avlemonas.

In Classical and later periods Kythera was apparently dominated by the military power of Sparta (on the mainland) and the disputes between Sparta and Athens in the 5th century B.C. In Hellenistic and Roman times (ca. 500 B.C. to A.D. 500), Kythera seems to have been a relatively peaceful and apparently prosperous place, again, because of its location along the major sea-lanes. Along with most of the Mediterranean area, Kythera was Christianized, although very few early Christian churches have been located. Beginning in the 7th century A.D., however, Arab raids on Greece made seaside settlements vulnerable and Kythera apparently fell into a period of difficulty, in part as the result of attacks by Muslim pirates from Crete. This situation came to an end with the (Christian) Byzantine Empire’s destruction of the Cretan Emirate, and an efflorescence of Byzantine churches and monasteries – which remain among the jewels of Kytherian culture.

But the western European Crusading movement, from the late 11th century onward, brought challenges from the West, resulting in the occupation of Kythera by the Venetians from about 1205 A.D. onward. This period was one of change and interaction for Kythera, with influences from Eastern (Orthodox) and Western (Catholic) Christianity contesting for the support of the people. Politically, Kythera fell under the control of Venice, but it was largely left in the hands of Cretan feudal families. As a result of this, the influence of Venetian culture is still very strong in Kythera today.

In 1797 the Venetian state collapsed, and Kythera was contested by the various powers of the age: the Ottomans, Russians, French, and British. After this period of confusion, the British eventually triumphed in 1809 and Kythera (along with the other Ionian Islands) became a British protectorate. The British, of course, wished to use Kythera as a naval base against its enemies, but they also introduced reforms in public works, government, and education that put Kythera among the most “progressive” of Greek territories. In the end British interests in Kythera (and the Ionian Islands as a whole) waned, and in 1864 Kythera was united with Greece.

Kythera’s history since 1864 has been interesting but not always positive. In part because of the level of education and the connections with the British, many Kytherians played major roles in the politics and the economics of the day. At the same time, Kytherian merchants and workers often moved to Russia, Asia Minor, Egypt and – increasingly -- to the United States and Australia. All of this resulted in a significant decline in the population of Kythera, and many institutions of Kytherian life have been damaged or even destroyed. This “out-migration” was especially severe in the 1950’s-1970’s, particularly to Australia, resulting in the near abandonment of the island. Nonetheless, reverse migration has recently resulted in the return of many Kytherians and support from the overseas community, both of which have contributed to a resurgence of life on the island that we can observe today.

 

 (By courtesy of Prof. Timothy Gregory & Dr. Lita Tzortzopoulou-Gregory)

Kythera today 

 

The immigration movement during the 20th century had repercussions on the island’s dwindling community. However, the resurgence in the island’s population over the past ten years with mainland Greeks and foreigners and their integration into local society is leading to a unique blending of different cultures.  

 

Music and the Arts are a very important aspect of life on Kythera.  The island’s Philharmonic Band performs at major events and festivals; two local choirs give outstanding performances; and small ensembles of local musicians provide the tempo at functions or tavernas. Dressed in traditional Kytherian attire dancers can be seen performing in village squares, at local festivals adding colour and vitality to island life.  They lead the dance – you join in……

 

Cultural events take place in various towns and villages. Οrganized by the Municipality, other organizations (or associations/groups) and private art spaces such as Follow Your Art and Zeidoros.

The Sunday Bazaar 

 

The oldest tradition on Kythera with a unique atmosphere not to be missed.  Potamos village on a Sunday morning where locals produce their garden fruit and vegetables for sale in the local square.  Today the tradition has also been embraced by a broader spectrum of people selling a variety of handicrafts and homemade local products.    

 

Every Sunday here is a celebration – the town square is a common meeting ground for old friends and new friends to have a coffee, an ouzo and meze.   Busy and buzzy!!!