Page 43 - MYCONIAN COLLECTION MAGAZINE 2024

HISTOR Y

ACCORDING TO Hesychios, Mykonos A Tapestry of TIME
derives its name from the word "Mykon,"
meaning heap, and "themonia," a heap
of stones, attributed to the impressive
granite boulders scattered across the Beyond its vibrant lifestyle, Mykonos is steeped in
island. Ancient Greeks believed that the
island’s rocks buried the giants slain by
Hercules, who aided his father Zeus in a history that stretches back nearly 5,000 years.
the Gigantomachy. Archaeological finds
reveal that Mykonos has been inhabited
since the Late Neolithic period (5th & Photographer Aris Ziotopoulos I Styling Frances-Christine Leppard I Hair & Make-up Christina Zoe
4th millennium BC). The Ionians later Models Julia Podlaszewska, George Paul (Ace Models) I Clothing & Accessories The Royal Myconian Agora
colonized the island, expelling its previous
inhabitants. With the rise of Delos,
Mykonos emerged as a significant port
for supplies and transit, becoming an
important cultural and religious center.
During Roman and Byzantine times,
Mykonos was under their respective
empires' control. The Byzantines
defended it against Arab invasions in
the 7th century, maintaining dominance
until the 13th century. The island then fell
under the Ghizzi dynasty in 1207, later
transitioning to Venetian rule in 1390. In
1537, under Venetian control, Mykonos
faced an attack by Hayreddin Barbarossa,
an admiral of Suleiman the Magnificent.
The Ottomans subsequently took over,
establishing a system of self-governance.
Mykonians played a pivotal role in
the Greek Revolution of 1821 against
Ottoman rule, led by national heroine
Mando Mavrogenous. Mykonos was part
of the free Greek State from the onset
of independence in 1830. The island's
economy thrived through trade with South
Russia, Moldavia, and Wallachia until the
opening of the Corinth Canal in 1904 and
the onset of World War I, which caused
economic decline and emigration.
Tourism emerged as a solution to
the economic woes, catalyzed by
archaeological excavations in Delos in
1873, attracting history and mythology
enthusiasts. By the 1930s, Mykonos
became a favorite among artists,
politicians, and wealthy Europeans,
marking the beginning of its status as an
international jet-set destination. After
World War II, Mykonos transformed into
the cosmopolitan hotspot known today,
celebrated for its vibrant lifestyle and rich
historical tapestry.
As the 20th century progressed, Mykonos
continued to attract visitors from all
corners of the globe. The island's Discover the heart of
Mykonos by immersing
yourself in its authentic
charm and timeless beauty!