The foundation of the city and the fortress occurred approximately in the mentioned century. From that moment on, the rich history of Monemvasia has been full of prosperity and glory, as well as declination and invasions.
Ever since the 10th century it started to develop in economical terms, becoming an important trade and maritime centre. Then, the city bravely resisted the Norman and Arab invasions in the mid 12th century. During this period, there were cornfields that fed up an approximate number of 30 men inside the fortress. | |
the hunger caused by the three-year siege. Ten years after this, Michael Paleologus imprisoned Villehardouin, who recovered his freedom by taking the side of the Byzantine ruling, helping them with the fortress, not only of Monemvasia, but also of Mistras and Mani.
This ruling benefited the development of Monemvasia in the economical, cultural, and military field. The negative point about this flourishing was that this city started being noticed by pirates. This fact ended up causing the famous 1292 raid, made by the Catalans.
The efforts of keeping pirates away brought the inhabitants in touch with naval resources in terms of warfare. Regarding the following invasion, which declined the Byzantine power, it took place in 1419, and was performed by the Venetians. |
|
Malvazia was taken to the west, passing through Monemvasia. This wine is very aromatic, and the city owes to it the name ‘Malvasia’, which some say was put by the Franks, and some others attribute to the Venetians.
Finally, in 1540 the Turks took over the city after a three-year siege. Although the Venetians got it back by the end of the following century, they sold it to their enemies in 1715. Then, around 1770, when the Russian-Turkish War occurred, Monemvasia started to fall apart economically. Monemvasia was finally liberated on July 23rd 1821. |
Back:
Related: