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Historical facts about the island
Τhe name of the island most probably originates from General Andros from
Crete, legendary colonizer of the Minoan times. Archeological excavations
prove the existence of developed settlements, dating back to Mycenaean times
or even earlier. The island becomes historically known during the Geometric
period (9th-7th century B.C.), as it is proved by traces of a settlement
found in Zagora, at the south-western part of the island, close to Zaganiari.
The capital of Andros island, during the classical times, was Paleopoli. The
prosperity during that period is shown by the big production of coins.
Relevant findings together with Hermes of Andros statue are exhibited in the
Archeological Museum in Hora. In 7th century B.C. Andros island participated
with Chalkideans to the colonization of Chalkidiki and coastal areas of
Thrace in northern Greece.
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Andros, following with the rest Aegean islands the fate of continental
Greece, consecutively fell under Roman, Frank and Ottoman occupation. Dating
back to 11th century, Byzantine style churches are found around the island,
like Taxiarchis in Ipsilou, Melida and Messaria and Kimisi Theotokou
(Assumption) in Mesathouri. In the 14th century, the "Agias Monastery" (Zoodochos
Pigi) was built near Batsi, while Agios Nikolaos monastery was founded in
1560 and rebuilt in 18th century. Panachrantou monastery was founded in
mid-17th century. At Agia Triada (Holy Trinity) in Korthi, a school has been
established in 1813, before the Greek War of Independence against the
Ottomans. It was founded by Samuel Plasimis and it incorporates a separate
building, serving as the teacher's house and library. |
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On May 10th, 1821, Theofilos Kairis declared the War of Independence, thus
marking the starting point of the island's recent history, during which
Andros reached the peak of its economic prosperity, thanks to its ships. It
is worth noting that Andriot Dimitris Moraitis initiated Greece-North
America line in the beginning of the 20th century, while Andros was in 1939
second to Piraeus regarding ship registration.
Text by
Isidoros Nikolaou webmaster of
www.andros.gr
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