The history of Naxos, the largest island of the Cyclades, is deeply connected to the culture and archaeology of Greece. Naxos has a rich history, which dates back to antiquity, when it was one of the most powerful and prosperous destinations in the Aegean.
NAXOS ISLAND - HISTORY
In antiquity, Naxos was known for its culture, temple and mythology. Naxos was the home of the god Dionysus, god of wine and joy, and had an important place in the pan-Hellenic religious and political landscape. In the period of ancient Greece, the island was also known for the production of marble, which was used in famous works of art and buildings, such as the famous statue of Kouros, which is today one of the most recognizable archaeological finds of Naxos.
Naxos subsequently passed through various cultural and strategic controls, from the Romans, to the Byzantines and the Venetians. The Venetians conquered the island in the 13th century and used it as a strategic center for their dominance in the Aegean. The Venetian influence is evident in the architecture of the island, especially in the town of Naxos, with its castles and traditional houses.
Naxos was also an important commercial and shipping hub, which made it attractive to various conquerors throughout its history. Its liberation from the Ottoman yoke came in 1829, and since then the island has continued to develop as one of the most popular islands for summer holidays in Greece.
Naxos is full of historical and cultural monuments, reminiscent of its rich heritage, and is a unique destination for those who wish to explore ancient Greek culture, as well as the modern life of the region.
