It is therefore believed that Miloans flourished in exporting.
 |
During the Bronze Age (2800-1100 BC), Milos became the centre of the Cycladic culture.
The most powerful city was Phylakopi, which ruins have been found on the north-eastern coast of the island near Pollonia, by two English archaeologists (Smith and Hogarth) in 1896-99 and 1911.
The ruins represent three different historical phases that cover a period of more than 1500 years. The city was destroyed and rebuilt three times by its inhabitants. The final destruction of Phylakopi was probably by the Mycenaean, who built a new city with visible Mycenaean characteristics. Great works of art have survived from this period: amphorae, vessels, painting on walls, all of witch are displayed in the Archaeological Museums of Athens and Milos.
During the Archaic Period, the Minoan civilisation declined and the city of Phylakopi was abandoned after 1100 BC. A new city was found under today’s village of Klima. This ancient city was built by the Dorians, who left Sparta to settle in Milos.
After some years, Miloans and Dorians started to meddle, and everyone was considered as Dorian. Arts flourished, especially in the domain of ceramics, from which survived the perfect and highly decorated Miloan amphorae (vases).
The Classical Period was a difficult time for Milos. Its inhabitants fought on the Athenian’s side during the Persian Wars. Nevertheless, during the Peloponnesian War they tried to remain neutral in order to protect their independence.
This triggered a reaction from the Athenians who, in 426 BC, sent a part of their fleet, trying to force Milos to help them, without any success.
In 416 BC, a new Athenian offensive was sent to Milos, an expedition that has been narrated by the famous ancient writer Thucydides.
Milos was besieged for two years but the inhabitants kept refusing to join the Delian League led by Athens, giving away their freedom and autonomy. |
|
It was a peaceful time during which superb works of art were created such, as the statue of Poseidon and the equestrian general, exhibited in the National Museum of Athens, as well as the Venus of Milos.
This period was one of peace and tranquillity for Milos.
The mineral trade of the island grew and brought great wealth to its inhabitants. Arts and crafts surviving from this time prove the artistic development of the Miloans.
The centre of the city was moved towards the north, to
the area of Tramythia where a remarkable mosaic was discovered
in 1896. This amazing piece covered the sanctuary floor
of a temple dedicated to Dionysus.
The marble amphitheatre of Milos dates from the same period. It was built on a site that offers a breath-taking view over the sea, and testifies of the great spiritual and cultural development of the Miloans during this period.
Christianity spread rapidly in Milos. In the first century
AD, catacombs were built to protect the Christian faith
and permit to the Christian adepts to effectuate their
religious ceremonies and to burry their dead far from
the eyes and rejection of the pagans.
Those spectacular catacombs can be visited, and are located near the village of Tripiti.
| The
Byzantine and Venetian Period |
|
After the decline of the Roman Empire all the Cyclades became part of the Byzantine Empire.
Very little historical evidence and writings has been preserved for that time but it is known that Milos, as well as many other islands, was a victim of many pirates raids.
The town of Klima, capital of Milos, was abandoned after a disastrous earthquake and findings indicate that the inhabitants moved to areas like Komia and Emborios.
Milos also suffered from numerous raids from Arabs and Slavs.
In the 8th and 9th centuries the inhabitants often rebelled against the Byzantine Emperor, mostly for religious reasons, and were repressed with great ferocity. |
|
In 1566 all the Cyclades came under Turkish rule. The administration of the island was given by Piali Pasha to a Jewish banker, Joseph Nazis.
After his death, Milos came under the rule of Sultan Mourat III.
The island was semi-autonomous and had to pay taxes to the Sultan’s delegate.
During the years of Turkish rule Milos was never occupied by the Turks. They kept an eye on the island and collected some taxes from the people.
During the years of Turkish rule Milos was never occupied by the Turks. They kept an eye on the island and collected some taxes from the people.
In 1675, a local pirate, George Kapsis, came to Milos and was named King by the inhabitants of Milos for his strong anti-Turkish feelings. The Turks arrested him in 1678 and hanged him in Constantinople.
In 1771 Milos came under Russian rule but was re-conquered by the Turks three years later.
In 1771 Milos came under Russian rule but was re-conquered
by the Turks three years later.
The island of Milos was among the first islands of the Cyclades to take part in the revolution of 1821 against the Turkish occupation and the first naval battle took place in the sea surrounding Milos on the 11th of April 1821.
During the revolution Milos became a shelter for refugees from the whole Greece. The island was united to the rest of Greece in 1830, at the same time as all the other Cycladic islands.
Milos was used by the British and the French forces as a naval base, during the First World War.
The island provided shelter for many refugees, after the catastrophe of Asia Minor in 1922.
The Germans invaded Milos during World War II, in May 1941, and built fortifications in many villages for their own safety.
The Miloans resisted the German invasion heroically and raised again the Greek flag on their island on the 9th May 1945.
Many inhabitants left the island because of the harshness of the living conditions and moved to Athens and the United States.
Nevertheless, with the appearance of tourism, Milos and its inhabitants experienced a quick development. |
Back:
Related: