SERIFOS TRAVEL GUIDE

SERIFOS > HISTORY

HISTORY

Passing from mythology to history, during the prehistoric times, we meet the Cretans, who discovered and exploited the minerals of the island. In the 1800’s BC, the Mycenaens reached Serifos, preceded by the Phoenicians. The walls in Liomadra, the White Tower and the tombs around these areas among the traces they have left on the island. In the 6th century BC, Serifos flourished thanks to its mines. It had already been an Ionian colony and democracy ruled. It was a member of the amphictyony of Delos and entered the Athenian Alliance, taking part in the Persian wars. Unfortunately, most of the findings of this civilisation have been looted and lost. What remains of these years is exhibited in the archaeological museum in Hora.

The Hellenistic period left many monuments – an oil press, a semi-circular base, a small cistern, items of clay and stone and the Castle of Grias, where three parts of its walls still remain. In 146 BC, the Romans conquered the island, which at the same time was repeatedly attacked by pirates but managed to maintain its autonomy as far as the election of its governor was concerned, in accordance with the Roman law. During this period the island became the destination of many Roman political exiles.

During the Byzantine period, the island was still the destination of political exiles and showed no development. On the contrary, during the Venetian domination the cultural and economic growth was quite amazing. The Venetians brought slaves to the island and the mines re-opened after 1.000 years.

During the Turkish domination the island suffered from pirate attacks and the mines closed down resulting in gradual regression. In later years, the development of the island is connected with its mines. Around 1870, the Greek state granted concession to the first mine companies to exploit the mines.

Today, the population of Serifos has decreased and most of its people are in tourism, agriculture and fishing. The island has managed to maintain the beauty of the Cyclades and welcomes thousands of tourists every year.