DISCOVER SAMOS
7.000 years of history
Samos is an island with a rich and turbulent history, stretching from antiquity to modern times, and boasts important cultural attractions that bear witness to its glorious past.
Brief History of Samos
The first inhabitants of Samos appeared as early as the Neolithic era (5th millennium BC). It experienced significant development during the Mycenaean period.
The island's greatest prosperity is placed in the Archaic period, specifically in the 6th century BC, during the tyranny of Polycrates (532-522 BC). Samos developed into a great naval and commercial power in the Aegean, known for its fast ships, the "Samaines", its wines and its ceramics. During this period, great technical and architectural works were carried out that are considered masterpieces of ancient engineering and architecture.
After the death of Polycrates, Samos experienced periods of subjugation to the Persians, the Athenians (it participated in the First Athenian League) and later the Romans. During the Byzantine period, Samos suffered many pirate raids, resulting in its desolation and the forced displacement of the population to the mountains.
The Ottoman period began in the 16th century, with the island being repopulated and acquiring special privileges (the Principality of Samos) that ensured it significant autonomy. This contributed to the economic and cultural renaissance of the island.
Samos played an active role in the Greek Revolution of 1821 and was definitively incorporated into Greece in 1912, after the abolition of the Hegemony regime.
Important figures of antiquity were born on the island, such as the philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras, the philosopher Epicurus, and the astronomer Aristarchus of Samos, who was the first to propose the heliocentric system.
Important Cultural Attractions
Samos is full of archaeological sites, museums and monuments that testify to its rich history:
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Pythagorion and Heraion (UNESCO World Heritage Sites):
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Ancient City of Pythagoras: The ruins of the ancient fortified city, with Greek and Roman monuments, include parts of the walls of Polycrates, the ancient harbor, Roman baths and the ancient theater.
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Eupalinian Aqueduct: One of the most impressive feats of ancient engineering. It is an underground aqueduct over 1 km long, constructed in the 6th century BC to supply water to the ancient city. It was dug simultaneously from both sides of the mountain, meeting the two sections in the center with astonishing precision.
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Heraion : The sanctuary of the goddess Hera, which was one of the largest and most important sanctuaries of antiquity. Although today only one of its original columns (known as the "Column of Hera") and the foundations survive, its size and historical significance are enormous.
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Archaeological Museums:
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Archaeological Museum of Samos (in Vathy): It houses a rich collection of finds from the Heraion and the ancient city of Samos, including the Colossal Kouros of the Heraion (5.5 m high), statues, ceramics and other objects.
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Archaeological Museum of Pythagoreion: It was inaugurated in 2009 and highlights the history of ancient Samos from the prehistoric to the Byzantine period.
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Museums and Other Attractions:
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Aegean Natural History Museum (in Mytilinioi): Housed in an old school and presenting the geological history of Samos, fossils, as well as the flora and fauna of the Aegean.
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Wine Museum (in Vathi): An opportunity to learn about the long history of Samian wine and its production process.
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Tower of Lykourgos Logothetis (in Pythagorion): It was built in the early 19th century by the leader of the Samian Revolution, Lykourgos Logothetis, and today houses historical relics.
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Holy Monastery of Panagia Spiliani (Pythagorion): A monastery built inside a cave, with stunning views and significant historical and religious value.
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Waterfalls at Potami (Karlovasi): Although a natural attraction, access to them involves hiking through a beautiful landscape and is often combined with a visit to the neighboring Genoese Castle of Potami.
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Tanning Museum (Karlovasi): Highlights the history of tanning, an important craft for Karlovasi in the 19th and 20th centuries.
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DISTILLERY: EMM. ZARBANIS SA SAMOS, MESOKAMPOS
tel: +30 22730 62242-62777
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