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History and Mythology of Andros

 The history and mythology of Andros, as expected, are closely linked to those of the other islands of the Aegean and Greece. Andros has had ancient names such as Hydroussa (with abundant waters), Epagrís, Nonagría (wet field), Lasia (with rich vegetation), and Gavros. The prevailing version regarding the island’s name originates from mythology.

Mythology of Andros

 Before 3000 BC, from the union of Apollo and Roio (daughter of Staphylos, son of the god Dionysus), Anios was born. Apollo made Anios the king of Delos, and he had three daughters and two sons, Andros and Mykonos. His sons ruled over the two islands, giving them their names. The mythological origin of the island’s inhabitants explains the dominant worship of Dionysus and the presence of the gods-ancestors on their coins.

History of Andros

Prehistoric and Archaic Period

 The history of Andros during the prehistoric and archaic period states that its first inhabitants were the Pelasgians. They were followed by the Carians, then the Phoenicians, the Cretans, and finally the Ionians. During the Bronze Age, settlements such as Mikrogyali, Plaka, and Strofila flourished, with Strofila considered the largest surviving Neolithic settlement in the Aegean. The settlements of Zagora and Ipsili also reached great prosperity between 900-700 BC, as evidenced by the traces of the settlement discovered in Zagora (near Zaganiari). The prevailing theory suggests that the island’s first settler was Andros.

Strofilas, a significant part of Andros’ history
The largest preserved settlement of the Neolithic Era in the Aegean.

Classical Period

During the Classical period, Andros had its capital in Paleopolis. The prosperity of this period is evident from its rich coinage and the impressive statue Hermes of Andros (a Hellenistic-era replica housed in the Archaeological Museum in Chora). In the 7th century BC, the Andriots, along with the Chalkidians, founded four cities-colonies in Chalkidiki: Akanthos, Argilos, Sani, and the renowned Stageira, birthplace of the philosopher Aristotle. One of the best-preserved monuments of the Hellenistic period is the Tower of Agios Petros, built in a cylindrical shape. Dionysus was the primary deity worshipped by the inhabitants.

Andros During the Athenian Hegemony and the Peloponnesian War

With the onset of the Peloponnesian War, Andros fought alongside the Athenians. However, after the defeat in Sicily in 412 BC, the island revolted. After numerous battles, the final outcome was the establishment of an oligarchic government, and Andros fought alongside the Spartans.

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Andros During the Roman Era

During the Roman era, the people of Andros saw little change with the arrival of the Romans. They maintained their traditions, customs, and way of life. The primary differences were in language and governance, but over time, these distinctions faded as the Romans assimilated into Greek culture. The worship of Isis became prominent during the Roman period, as evidenced by an inscription that was embedded in a house in Paleopolis until 1987, now housed in the Paleopolis Museum.

Byzantine Period

During the Byzantine era, Andros developed its silk industry during the Komnenian dynasty (12th century). This turned the island into a hub for exporting silk and fine fabrics to the West. During this time, Paleopolis declined, and its residents turned to agriculture in the island’s interior. Christianity spread across Andros, and as Constantinople became the greatest commercial and economic center, Andros declined.

Venetian Rule

 With the fall of Constantinople to the Franks, the island came under Venetian rule. In 1207, it was granted to Marino Dandolo, a relative of the Doge of Venice, and remained under their control until 1566. To protect the island from pirates, Dandolo built towers and castles, including the Kato Kastro (Castel a basso) in today’s Chora. The name Riva survives from that period, referring to the main dock of Chora. The second medieval fortification was the Epano Kastro (Castel del alto), considered larger and stronger. Smaller castles and fortifications were scattered across the island, including the Makrotantalo Tower, Vryokastro in Varidi, and Kastellaki in Gides. During Venetian rule, Albanian settlers moved to Andros, primarily in the northern part. A Venetian map from 1470 states that Andros was inhabited by 2,000 people.

Exhibits at the Palaeopolis Museum
Exhibits at the Palaeopolis Museum

Ottoman Rule

In 1566, Andros fell into Ottoman hands. During Ottoman rule, the island enjoyed a privileged status, which ensured relative economic prosperity. At the same time, there was a rapid development of maritime trade. In the 1770s, Andros came under Russian control. In 1790, Lambros Katsonis fought the Turkish fleet in the Battle of Andros but was defeated, losing most of his ships. The island’s economy remained agricultural. The kotsampasis of Epano Kastro (Korthi) were wealthy landowners, while in Kato Kastro, a new class of seafarers, the gemitzi, began to emerge. By 1813, Andros had 40 ships and about 400 sailors.

Andros from the Greek Revolution and Beyond

On May 10, 1821, Theophilos Kairis, a pioneer of the Greek Enlightenment, raised the banner of the Revolution, marking the beginning of modern history. Thanks to its powerful shipping industry and the foresight of shipowners who invested early in steam navigation, Andros experienced significant economic prosperity. Notably, Dimitris Moraitis from Andros inaugurated the Greece-North America shipping route in the early 20th century. By 1939, Andros ranked second after Piraeus in ship registrations. However, the island suffered losses in both World Wars, including significant casualties and shipwrecks. Chora was bombed multiple times in 1944.

Today, Andros stands as a historical and cultural jewel of the Cyclades, with a rich maritime heritage and a legacy spanning thousands of years.

Theophilos Kairis, one of the pioneers of the Modern Greek Enlightenment
Theophilos Kairis, one of the pioneers of the Modern Greek Enlightenment