A History of Skiathos
A History
of Skiathos
by Victoria Sandels
edited by Michael Evans
(2008) B/W
Pages: 108
Price: 12,50 €
After years of research, interviews,
walks and travels I finally managed to make this first attempt of a concise
history of Skiathos for English speakers. My partner and close friend Michael
Evans helped me edit it and without his knowledge, command of the English
language and constant support and sense of humour ot never would have finished.
Most of the photograps and drawings are my own, as well as the maps.
Ancient
History
This
is the coin that was minted on ancient Skiathos in the 4th century BC. On
one side there was a picture of the god Hermes, and on the other his staff
of snakes. Hermes was very popular in ancient Greece as he not only was the
messenger of the Gods but also the protector of merchants, travellers, orators,
athletes and herdsmen. Adding to that, he protected thieves and con artists,
making him a popular subject of jokes amongst the ancient Greeks.
The
Ottoman Occupation
Khayrad'din
Barbarossa, or Redbeard, was one of the most feared men of his time. He was
known as a cruel but highly intelligent pirate who spent his life fighting
Christian enemies with an unsatiable zeal. In 1538 he invaded Skiathos after
having slaughetered most of the population on Skopelos.
After a week-long siege the locals killed their Venetian governor and gave
themselves up to Barbarossa, believeing it was their only hope. When the pirate
found out they had betrayed their enemy, he was outraged and executed those
involved in the murder. The Venetian may have been his sworn enemy, but there
was nothing the pirate loathed more than betrayal.
The Second World War
Skiathos
suffered greatly during World War II, as the German Occupation of the island
meant harsh conditions and constant fear. Nevertheless, there were locals
involved in the resistance and one of them was Seraino Kaliaro, also called
Kaliarina, who helped many allied soldiers escape Skiathos. She was eventually
caught by the Germans and a trial she was sent to prison in Italy. The tough
lady escaped and made it to an allied camp, where she was looked after until
the end of the war. Eventually she returned to Skiathos and in this photograph
we see her wearing her medals for courage and efforts.
Chapters
Introduction
Some Facts
PART 1: THE MYTHOLOGICAL GOLDEN AGE
Pre-Historic Skiathos
The Flood
The Pelasgians
The Minoans
Theseus
Myceneans and Jason
The Trojan War
PART 2: THE HISTORICAL AGE
A New Age
The Halkidians
Ancient Skiathos Town
The Persian Invasion
The Delian League
Democracy in the North Sporades
Sparta
Macedonia
Alexander the Great
PART 3: ROMAN RULE
The Romans
Greece and the Roman Emperors
Constantine
Saints and Martyrs
Early Christianity on Skiathos
The Byzantine Era
Division Within
The Sacking of Constantinople
The Venetians
Back to Byzantium
Kastro
PART 4: THE OTTOMAN OCCUPATION
Skiathos Changes Hands
Barbarossa
Barbarossa's Attack on Kastro
Ottoman Rule
The Kounistra Miracle
Morosini and the Invasion of Skiathos
The Limnians
Russian Intervention
The Evangelistria Monastery
The Greek Flag
Towards Independence
The Greek Revolution
The Battle of Skiathos
The End of the Struggle
PART 5: INDEPENDENCE
Organising Greece
Independent Skiathos
The Skiathites
The Two Alexanders
More Changes
The Balkan Wars
The First World War and the Catastrophe of Asia Minor
The Seconf World War
Civil War
New Arrivals
Bibliography
