Historical Overview
Historical Overview
The Ancient Period
Mykonos is mentioned in Greek mythology as the island where Hercules killed the giants after the Titanomachy. The island was inhabited since the Neolithic era (5,000 BC), with the Ionians settling there around the 11th century BC.
Due to its proximity to Delos, one of the most sacred places in ancient Greece, Mykonos played an important role as a commercial and religious hub. The Mykonians had close ties with Delphi and participated in pan-Hellenic worship ceremonies.
Roman and Byzantine Period
During the Roman era, Mykonos came under Roman rule and became an important commercial port. In the Byzantine period, the island suffered from pirate raids, who used it as a base for attacks in the Aegean.
With the rise of Christianity, many churches and monasteries were built, with the most famous being the monastery of Panagia Tourliani, founded in the 16th century and remaining one of the most important religious monuments on the island.
Venetian and Ottoman Rule
In 1207, after the fall of Constantinople to the Crusaders, Mykonos passed into the hands of the Venetians under the Ghisi family. In 1537, the island was conquered by the Ottoman fleet of Hayreddin Barbarossa and incorporated into the Ottoman Empire.
Despite Ottoman rule, the Mykonians maintained relative autonomy and developed as highly skilled sailors and merchants. The island became a haven for pirates and played a role in the trade of the era.
The Greek Revolution and Mykonos' Participation
Mykonos actively participated in the Greek Revolution of 1821. The most iconic figure was Manto Mavrogenous, who donated her fortune to the struggle for independence and organized the island’s defense. The Mykonians faced Ottoman raids and assisted in the naval actions of the revolutionaries.
After Greece’s independence, Mykonos experienced economic prosperity, mainly through shipping and trade, but remained a small island with limited development.
The 20th Century and the Rise of Tourism
In the early 20th century, Mykonos was a quiet island of sailors and farmers. However, the discovery of Delos by archaeologists drew the attention of the international community, bringing the first visitors to Mykonos.
In the 1950s, the island began to become known as a tourist destination, attracting artists, intellectuals, and later celebrities. In the 1970s, Mykonos became popular among hippies and the international elite, while in the following decades it transformed into one of the most famous holiday islands in the world.
Modern Mykonos
Today, Mykonos is world-renowned for its luxurious hospitality, nightlife, and stunning beaches. It maintains its traditional Cycladic architecture, but combines modern luxury with natural beauty. The island attracts millions of visitors each year and is considered one of Greece’s top tourist destinations.
Mykonos has gone through many historical phases, from antiquity to the modern era, shaping a unique identity. From a center of trade and shipping, it has evolved into an international symbol of tourism and luxury, while maintaining its rich cultural heritage.