Zakynthos, an island full of history
Zakynthos, also known as Zante, is island in the Ionian sea. It is the third largest island in the Ionian islands. Zakynthos is a popular tourist destination, with the nickname of The Flower of the East. Many who visit the island fall in love with it and return year upon year.
The history of Zakynthos is roughly split in to thirteen historical eras, brought about by natural change, invasion, or in some cases, political argument. How the island looks and how Zakynthians live their lives today is down to the history and events that weave their way through the island. It's past still influences the culture and tradition, a lot of which is still followed today.
So, what are the important eras of Zakynthos history, simply they are:
THE PREHISTORIC ERA
THE MYTHICAL AND MYSTERIOUS ERA
THE HISTORICAL ERA
THE ROMAN ERA
THE BYZANTINE ERA
THE CRUSADER AND FRANKISH ERA
THE VENETIAN ERA
THE FRENCH AND RUSSIAN-TURKISH ERA
THE IONIAN STATE ERA
THE ENGLISH ERA
THE GREEK ERA AND WW2
THE GREEK CIVIL WAR
THE MODERN ERA
On this page we hope to give you more information about the history of Zakynthos, but with thousands of years of history, it will be impossible to list everything here. In fact the history of Zakynthos is so long, complicated and intricate that to write it all would fill an entire book, if not more! So, this will be a short version of the islands historic events to help give you a small idea of the eras and past events.
At one time Zakynthos was like any other part of the world, a place untouched by modern hand, with hills, mountains, and plains full of trees and other vegetation making it a beautiful site; or so the ancient scholars say! Full of myth and mystery, the island was called Hyrie and was thought to have been inhabited from around 1500 B.C E. Before this though, records are scarce. So, what do we know about the island before then?
The history of Zakynthos is roughly split in to thirteen historical eras, brought about by natural change, invasion, or in some cases, political argument. How the island looks and how Zakynthians live their lives today is down to the history and events that weave their way through the island. It's past still influences the culture and tradition, a lot of which is still followed today.
So, what are the important eras of Zakynthos history, simply they are:
THE PREHISTORIC ERA
THE MYTHICAL AND MYSTERIOUS ERA
THE HISTORICAL ERA
THE ROMAN ERA
THE BYZANTINE ERA
THE CRUSADER AND FRANKISH ERA
THE VENETIAN ERA
THE FRENCH AND RUSSIAN-TURKISH ERA
THE IONIAN STATE ERA
THE ENGLISH ERA
THE GREEK ERA AND WW2
THE GREEK CIVIL WAR
THE MODERN ERA
On this page we hope to give you more information about the history of Zakynthos, but with thousands of years of history, it will be impossible to list everything here. In fact the history of Zakynthos is so long, complicated and intricate that to write it all would fill an entire book, if not more! So, this will be a short version of the islands historic events to help give you a small idea of the eras and past events.
At one time Zakynthos was like any other part of the world, a place untouched by modern hand, with hills, mountains, and plains full of trees and other vegetation making it a beautiful site; or so the ancient scholars say! Full of myth and mystery, the island was called Hyrie and was thought to have been inhabited from around 1500 B.C E. Before this though, records are scarce. So, what do we know about the island before then?
Going back into one of the furthest reaches of time, we land in the prehistoric period, a time when little history was recorded and life as very different.
Much of what we do know about Zakynthos during the prehistoric period is reliant upon the history books of the ancients and scholars and archaeological excavations that threw up various artefacts that could be dated and recorded to further confirm the limited facts. We do know however, that the island was populated and that ancient hominids made Zakynthos their home.
Much of what we do know about Zakynthos during the prehistoric period is reliant upon the history books of the ancients and scholars and archaeological excavations that threw up various artefacts that could be dated and recorded to further confirm the limited facts. We do know however, that the island was populated and that ancient hominids made Zakynthos their home.
The next important era is the Ancient Mythical and Mysterious period. This was an interesting time of the first recorded settlers, whose names are where they came from, are known. Well those helpful ancient scholars noted that the island was called Hyrie and was populated from around 1500 B.C E., not much is known about the settlers but we do know that around this time or shortly after, the islands name changed to Zakynthos, reputedly after the son of Dardanus, when he came to the island from Psophis in Arcadia – now known to be on mainland Greece.
Upon arrival the main acropolis city on Zakynthos – in Zakynthos Town - was then re-named Psophis. Unfortunately, nothing remains of ancient site of Psophis, save for a handful of inscriptions and columns. The main citadel was situated on the site of what is now Bochali castle overlooking the main town. These early visitors to Zakynthos not only made it home and built their own settlements but they also explored other shores, including Spain where they created another settlement called Zakantha, and the Greek islands of Crete and Paros. Later on, Zakynthos was famed for its part in the Trojan wars, as documented in Homer’s works The Odyssey and The Iliad. And this leads us nicely into The Historical Era.
Upon arrival the main acropolis city on Zakynthos – in Zakynthos Town - was then re-named Psophis. Unfortunately, nothing remains of ancient site of Psophis, save for a handful of inscriptions and columns. The main citadel was situated on the site of what is now Bochali castle overlooking the main town. These early visitors to Zakynthos not only made it home and built their own settlements but they also explored other shores, including Spain where they created another settlement called Zakantha, and the Greek islands of Crete and Paros. Later on, Zakynthos was famed for its part in the Trojan wars, as documented in Homer’s works The Odyssey and The Iliad. And this leads us nicely into The Historical Era.
This is an interesting period of time that nestles quietly between the Ancient Mythical and Mysterious period and the Roman Era. It was a period of great uncertainty for the island, and island residents were drawn into numerous wars whether they wanted to be or not.
As well as the Peloponnesian war, the Macedonian wars affected the island too. It was a time when Greece was in a lot of turmoil, and it turned out to be a tumultuous time when tribe fought against tribe with Athens at the forefront.
Around 200 B.C.E. the Macedonian’s finally captured Zakynthos. If the islanders thought living under Macedonian rule was tough, it was about to become even worse as the island was invaded by the Romans.
As well as the Peloponnesian war, the Macedonian wars affected the island too. It was a time when Greece was in a lot of turmoil, and it turned out to be a tumultuous time when tribe fought against tribe with Athens at the forefront.
Around 200 B.C.E. the Macedonian’s finally captured Zakynthos. If the islanders thought living under Macedonian rule was tough, it was about to become even worse as the island was invaded by the Romans.
As the Macedonian wars ended the Roman Empire was on the rise and Zakynthos didn’t escape it’s might. The Roman’s invasion wasn’t easy though as the Macedonian’s didn’t give in easily and they took the island back from the Romans, not long after the Macedonian’s lost Zakynthos to the tyrants of Akraganda, who then sold it to the Achaeans!
It must have been a very turbulent time for everyone. The Romans didn’t give up though, and they fought hard to get Zakynthos back, determined not to lose it. A Roman politician called Consul Flaminius deviously argued with the Achaeans stating that the island never truly belonged to them and that the Romans actually already owned it, having previously gained it as a war prize.
Flaminius’ story worked and the island came into Rome hands again. To keep the island the Romans moved a garrison onto the island to rule and protect it. Records say Zakynthians weren’t happy under Roman rule and tried to fight against Roman rule and invasion, but they lost. In the end Zakynthians were reluctantly forced to live alongside the Romans and they remained on the island until the fall of the Roman Empire, until things changed again.
It must have been a very turbulent time for everyone. The Romans didn’t give up though, and they fought hard to get Zakynthos back, determined not to lose it. A Roman politician called Consul Flaminius deviously argued with the Achaeans stating that the island never truly belonged to them and that the Romans actually already owned it, having previously gained it as a war prize.
Flaminius’ story worked and the island came into Rome hands again. To keep the island the Romans moved a garrison onto the island to rule and protect it. Records say Zakynthians weren’t happy under Roman rule and tried to fight against Roman rule and invasion, but they lost. In the end Zakynthians were reluctantly forced to live alongside the Romans and they remained on the island until the fall of the Roman Empire, until things changed again.
The fall of the Roman Empire brought many changes across their seized empire, including on Zakynthos, but the next era The Byzantine Era was one that brought a mix of troubles and new experiences Zakynthians.
The rise of attacks by pirates, goths, huns, and vandals came as the Roman Empire fell. These attackers became the scourge of the Mediterranean, attacking often, and without care for anyone who got in their way. Zakynthos didn’t escape these attacks, and islanders were assaulted, plundered and even murdered in the process.
The Byzantium Empire was created whilst Zakynthos was still under threat from unwanted raids and Zakynthians hoped for a brighter future, upon becoming part of the Byzantium Empire where they had hoped for a calmer and better life. Their hopes were swiftly dashed though. Under Byzantine rule the island suffered from great poverty. Residents were split into a harsh three tier system: Nobles, Artisans and Merchants, and commoners.
Around all this turmoil and poverty Christianity began to spread and it came to the shores of Zakynthos. Local myths and records say that Mary Magadelene visited the island in 34 A.D. on a tour of countries and the local Village of Maries is said to be named after her. A turbulent era, the Byzantine would prove to be nothing in comparison to what followed.
The rise of attacks by pirates, goths, huns, and vandals came as the Roman Empire fell. These attackers became the scourge of the Mediterranean, attacking often, and without care for anyone who got in their way. Zakynthos didn’t escape these attacks, and islanders were assaulted, plundered and even murdered in the process.
The Byzantium Empire was created whilst Zakynthos was still under threat from unwanted raids and Zakynthians hoped for a brighter future, upon becoming part of the Byzantium Empire where they had hoped for a calmer and better life. Their hopes were swiftly dashed though. Under Byzantine rule the island suffered from great poverty. Residents were split into a harsh three tier system: Nobles, Artisans and Merchants, and commoners.
Around all this turmoil and poverty Christianity began to spread and it came to the shores of Zakynthos. Local myths and records say that Mary Magadelene visited the island in 34 A.D. on a tour of countries and the local Village of Maries is said to be named after her. A turbulent era, the Byzantine would prove to be nothing in comparison to what followed.
One of the most unstable and devastating eras in Zakynthian history was the Crusader and Frankish Era. As the Byzantine Era waned what came next was a return of attacks from pirates. Shortly after the island was invaded first by the Crusaders and then the Franks.
Under Frankish rule Zakynthians were subjected to the Orsini Family, a formidable noble family who ruled the island with neglect for their own personal gain. The Orsini’s were duplicitous and thought nothing of even killing their own family if they could get something out of it. By the time the last Orsini ruler died, it had been a truly tumultuous succession of rule.
One Orsini had married a despot, another had been suspiciously killed, another murdered another despot, one murdered his own brother, and the wife of the remaining Orsini poisoned her own husband!
Continuing rule of Zakynthos was finally handed to a close friend of the son of the King of Naples, but the generations that followed were just as unstable. In the end the island was attacked by the Turks and Zakynthian residents were only saved when the Venetians intervened.
Under Frankish rule Zakynthians were subjected to the Orsini Family, a formidable noble family who ruled the island with neglect for their own personal gain. The Orsini’s were duplicitous and thought nothing of even killing their own family if they could get something out of it. By the time the last Orsini ruler died, it had been a truly tumultuous succession of rule.
One Orsini had married a despot, another had been suspiciously killed, another murdered another despot, one murdered his own brother, and the wife of the remaining Orsini poisoned her own husband!
Continuing rule of Zakynthos was finally handed to a close friend of the son of the King of Naples, but the generations that followed were just as unstable. In the end the island was attacked by the Turks and Zakynthian residents were only saved when the Venetians intervened.
An age of further nobility, the Venetian Rule was one that lasted for centuries with evidence that can still be found on the island today. The Venetians struck an alliance the Turks so they could rule Zakynthos. The price of this alliance was a heavy one however, as the Venetians were forced to pay taxes to the Turks.
The Venetians continued their new life on their new island with positivity though and they invited many fellow Venetians from their home country to come and join them to live on the island. In the process they introduced a new way of life to Zakynthos.
There were nobility titles for many subjects and a lot of welcome tax exemptions. Life for many higher level Zakynthians was good and they even set up a new system of democratic rule in the island, and an elected government was introduced.
Life wasn’t good for everyone though as the island was still subject to a three tier class system; the nobility, artisans and merchants, and commoners.
Commoners at the bottom of the class tier were banned from voting and this eventually caused upset and tension. Around 150 years after the Venetians took control of the island, Zakynthians finally revolted against them. The Commoners demands were simple. They wanted the same rights as the rest of the island’s residents, most notably the Nobles. They wanted equality. The Venetian government however refused and violent clashes ensued. After successfully ruling Zakynthos for 350 years, things went downhill for the Venetians before eventually losing the island to the short-lived French and Russian-Turkish era.
The Venetians continued their new life on their new island with positivity though and they invited many fellow Venetians from their home country to come and join them to live on the island. In the process they introduced a new way of life to Zakynthos.
There were nobility titles for many subjects and a lot of welcome tax exemptions. Life for many higher level Zakynthians was good and they even set up a new system of democratic rule in the island, and an elected government was introduced.
Life wasn’t good for everyone though as the island was still subject to a three tier class system; the nobility, artisans and merchants, and commoners.
Commoners at the bottom of the class tier were banned from voting and this eventually caused upset and tension. Around 150 years after the Venetians took control of the island, Zakynthians finally revolted against them. The Commoners demands were simple. They wanted the same rights as the rest of the island’s residents, most notably the Nobles. They wanted equality. The Venetian government however refused and violent clashes ensued. After successfully ruling Zakynthos for 350 years, things went downhill for the Venetians before eventually losing the island to the short-lived French and Russian-Turkish era.
The last Venetian Governor resigned in 1797 and Zakynthos residents celebrated the downfall of the nobility who they felt had treated them so unfairly. They celebrated in the streets, burned emblems and coats-of-arms belonging to the islands Venetian nobility and even planted a “tree of freedom”.
The French swiftly conquered the island in the same year, but it wasn’t straightforward, and their rule only lasted fifteen months. During this short tenure, Zakynthos was governed by the French Consul, formed a municipal council. The council created local communities overseen by mayors and did away with aristocratic titles. The remaining Venetian nobles were furious at their treatment and tried to spread trouble, but it was foiled by the French.
As swiftly as the French arrived on Zakynthos, Russians who were in league with the Turks, turned up to cause trouble. The Venetian Nobles took their opportunity to turn against the French and handed the keys of the town to the Russian-Turks The French were forced to surrender Zakynthos to them. The Venetian Nobles were no longer under Venetian rule, but they didn’t care as the incoming Russian-Turks handed the all Venetians privileges back to them. A short lull of calm greeted the island, but things were about to change again!
The French swiftly conquered the island in the same year, but it wasn’t straightforward, and their rule only lasted fifteen months. During this short tenure, Zakynthos was governed by the French Consul, formed a municipal council. The council created local communities overseen by mayors and did away with aristocratic titles. The remaining Venetian nobles were furious at their treatment and tried to spread trouble, but it was foiled by the French.
As swiftly as the French arrived on Zakynthos, Russians who were in league with the Turks, turned up to cause trouble. The Venetian Nobles took their opportunity to turn against the French and handed the keys of the town to the Russian-Turks The French were forced to surrender Zakynthos to them. The Venetian Nobles were no longer under Venetian rule, but they didn’t care as the incoming Russian-Turks handed the all Venetians privileges back to them. A short lull of calm greeted the island, but things were about to change again!
In 1800 the Russians and Turks signed a treaty that officially founded the Ionian State. This new treaty played into the hands of the old nobles and they tried to sway the government to their own terms saying that the island of Zakynthos should only be served by nobility.
Commoners however didn’t agree and a revolt was led by the Zakynthos Democrats who sought help from the English, they even ran an English flag up the pole on the Venetian castle.
The bid was unsuccessful, and they were forced to live with another eight years of Ionian State rule before the Zakynthos Democrats finally got their way and the English arrived en mass heralding the English Era!
Commoners however didn’t agree and a revolt was led by the Zakynthos Democrats who sought help from the English, they even ran an English flag up the pole on the Venetian castle.
The bid was unsuccessful, and they were forced to live with another eight years of Ionian State rule before the Zakynthos Democrats finally got their way and the English arrived en mass heralding the English Era!
It was a sight that shocked everyone on Zakynthos, when in 1809 three English frigates containing thousands of English soldiers sailed into Zakynthos harbour. They climbed the fortress and hoisted the English flag above Zakynthos Town to officially claim the island. The English era had begun and the wish of the democrats had come true.
The changes were swift and positive, as the English put measures in place to administer the island – such as repairing roads and pavements, and positive measures to look after their health. They even created a public place to print publications that included “The newspaper of the free islands”.
Despite their rescue, over time Zakynthians once again became unhappy. The behaviour of the English rulers were seen as overbearing and tyrannical, and so they set about trying to get rid of the English, including petitioning against them.
As 1821 arrived so did the Greek War of Independence. The English were still ruling Zakynthos so local Zakynthians joined fellow Greeks to play an important role either as soldiers for the cause or donating money to it. Eventually Greece gained its independence, bringing in the Greek Era and Zakynthos was reunited with Greece. The English were forced to officially hand the island back to the Greeks ending their short rule.
The changes were swift and positive, as the English put measures in place to administer the island – such as repairing roads and pavements, and positive measures to look after their health. They even created a public place to print publications that included “The newspaper of the free islands”.
Despite their rescue, over time Zakynthians once again became unhappy. The behaviour of the English rulers were seen as overbearing and tyrannical, and so they set about trying to get rid of the English, including petitioning against them.
As 1821 arrived so did the Greek War of Independence. The English were still ruling Zakynthos so local Zakynthians joined fellow Greeks to play an important role either as soldiers for the cause or donating money to it. Eventually Greece gained its independence, bringing in the Greek Era and Zakynthos was reunited with Greece. The English were forced to officially hand the island back to the Greeks ending their short rule.
The year was 1864 and Zakynthos was in the Greek Era. Life settled into normality for the Greeks after much celebration of their long overdue independence. Governments were created, people learned to live peacefully with each other. Greek life was hard, but for the first time, in a long time the island was free from repeated attack from nation after nation. Like the rest of Greece however Zakynthos was about to be faced with war that it would be unable to escape in the face of the First and Second World Wars.
It was the Second World War that affected Zakynthos the most though when it was invaded by the Italians, falling under the axis powers. Not long after the Germans invaded and Zakynthos stayed under German occupation until the war ended.
One shining light from a time of darkness was the saving of the entire Jewish populous by Mayor and Bishop of Zakynthos, who stood up to the Germans putting their own lives at risk. Sadly, the end of the Second World War wasn’t the end of divisions in Greece and the country was plunged into the Greek Civil War.
It was the Second World War that affected Zakynthos the most though when it was invaded by the Italians, falling under the axis powers. Not long after the Germans invaded and Zakynthos stayed under German occupation until the war ended.
One shining light from a time of darkness was the saving of the entire Jewish populous by Mayor and Bishop of Zakynthos, who stood up to the Germans putting their own lives at risk. Sadly, the end of the Second World War wasn’t the end of divisions in Greece and the country was plunged into the Greek Civil War.
Between 1944 and 1949 a bitter dispute between communists and the exiled Royalist Government led to a bitter Greek Civil War.
It was an awful battle that pulled in not only the British, but the Americans too. Worst still it pitted friends and families against each other, creating divisions by those who were once close.
In the end the communists finally surrendered in 1949, with many escaping over the border into Albania, but it was a war that no one won. It plunged Greece into chaos, and in the end around 500,000 Greeks were displaced and another 50,000 tragically lost their lives.
It was an awful battle that pulled in not only the British, but the Americans too. Worst still it pitted friends and families against each other, creating divisions by those who were once close.
In the end the communists finally surrendered in 1949, with many escaping over the border into Albania, but it was a war that no one won. It plunged Greece into chaos, and in the end around 500,000 Greeks were displaced and another 50,000 tragically lost their lives.
AND NOW?
Now the island is in the Modern Era and it’s enemy free, firmly in Greek hands and the only people invading Zakynthos are the huge numbers of holidaymakers who travel here every year to enjoy time in the sun.
Those who do visit Zakynthos never truly realise what a historic and interesting island they’re walking on, and it’s easy to lose sight of it in a resort or on the beach. But if you head to the mountains or off the beaten track, evidence of past dwellers is everywhere.
It’s in the trees, buildings, and villages, and maybe, just maybe if you close your eyes and listen carefully you may hear the cries of these past island residents as they try to defend their home, the island they loved so dearly, for future, hopeful generations.
Now the island is in the Modern Era and it’s enemy free, firmly in Greek hands and the only people invading Zakynthos are the huge numbers of holidaymakers who travel here every year to enjoy time in the sun.
Those who do visit Zakynthos never truly realise what a historic and interesting island they’re walking on, and it’s easy to lose sight of it in a resort or on the beach. But if you head to the mountains or off the beaten track, evidence of past dwellers is everywhere.
It’s in the trees, buildings, and villages, and maybe, just maybe if you close your eyes and listen carefully you may hear the cries of these past island residents as they try to defend their home, the island they loved so dearly, for future, hopeful generations.
Zakynthos, a historical Ionian jewel.
