KEFALONIA TRAVEL GUIDE

KEFALONIA > HISTORY

HISTORY

According to archaeological findings Kefalonia was inhabited since 10.000 BC. In its long history, the island met a lot of conquerors.

During 2nd BC, the Romans conquered Kefalonia and used it as their base against the Greeks.

In 495 BC, the island was ruled by the Byzantines. From 1185 until 1470 the island suffered from constant conquerors. During all those years Kefalonia was dominated by Franks, Normands and suffered the Turkish Dynasty.

In 1500 it was ruled by the Venetians, who were in power for about 300 years.

In 1797, after the signature of Kambo Formio convention, Ionian Islands came under the authority of France.

The residents of Kefalonia along with the residents of the other Ionian Islands tried to accomplish their independence.

In 1800 the “United States of the Ionian Islands”, is the first independent Greek state with its own Constitution and flag. However, many fights as well as insurrections went on something which resulted in the break up of the State of Seven United Islands and then Kefalonia was given to France.

Finally, in May of 1864 after a lot of struggles the Eptanisa were finally united to Greece.