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About Samos |
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 Samos
lies at the north-eastern part of the Aegean sea in a distance of
174 nautical miles from Piraeus. It has an area of 475 sq. km., a
coast line of 159 km and a population of 40.000 inhabitants. You can
reach Samos by plane from Athens and by ferry boat from Piraeus,
Kavala, Icaria, the Dodecanese, Crete and other islands. |
 This
large, Aegean island is a gorgeous, verdant place, which at one
point is no more than 2 km. far from the coast of Asia Minor. It is
covered with pure white sand beaches, picturesque villages, fishing harbours and it is famous for the production and the quality of its
wine. The sweet variety of Samos wine has an international
reputation. |
The
essential beauty of the nature, the historical sites that are spread
all over the island and the charming mountainous landscape of Samos
create a unique atmosphere which enchants the visitors and carry
them in another era. In an era of myths, heroes and philosophers. |
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Samos History
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The beginning of
Samos history is lost in the mist of time. We do not know
exactly when it was first inhabited but it is believed that it
was inhabited as far as back as the Neolithic years (3rd
millennium BC). Historians say that the first colonists of the
island were Phoenicians, Leleges and Carians and also mention
the Pelasgians, who brought to the island the worship of the
goddess Hera. The place - names Samos, Imrrassos, Chesios and
Astypalaia show a connection with Asia Minor and the languages
of the Leleges and Carias.
The first
colonists from Asia Minor were followed in later years by a
wave of Myceneans which are traditionally supposed to have
been the companions of the mythical king Angaeus (1.300 BC). A
monarch who had taken part in the Argonaut expedition and who
was recognized by all the ancient authorities as the founder
of the city of Samos.
The history of
Samos in the Pre-historic times is close joint with the
goddess Hera which was believed to had been born in the island
and for her sake Ionians built in the 7th century BC, the
famous Temple of Hera, on the ruins of an earlier prehistoric
temple.
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Samos
reached its pinnacle during the period it was governed
by the tyrant Polycrates (532 - 522 BC). It was then
that Samos grew into a great naval power and founded its
own colonies. A new kind of ship was constructed in the
shipyards on the island with 50 oars, the famous samaina.
Samos
which constituted the bridge between Greece and East,
managed for many years, because of its power, to remain
independent, while at the same time flourishing, despite
the battles that were waged to conquer it. That was
perhaps one of the reasons that caused Samos to produce
so many men of genius as well as great artists such as
the astronomer and mathematician Aristarchus, who was
the first to study the movement of the earth.
We should also mention Callistatus, who was responsible
for founding or establishing the 24 - letter alphabet,
the architects and sculptors Rhoikos and Theodoros, who
built the famous temple of Hera and the painters Saurias
(the first painter too use chiamoscuro in his work) and
Calliphon, painter of a number of master works which
were to be seen in the temple of Artemis at Ephesus |
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But the most
exceptional of all these figures, is Pythagoras (580 -
500 BC) philosopher, mathematician and musician. He was
never a man to take things for granted, he sought in the
sciences, arts and travel, knowledge and experience
which would allow him with certainty, to assume his
place in the intellectual arena of his times.
His
genius, combined with deep study and ascetism allowed
him to develop his knowledge to a point which is still
of fundamental importance to mathematical theory and the
Pythagorean theorem in geometry is, naturally, still
used as are the Pythagorean tables in arithmetic. |
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Samos Today
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Today, Samos is regarded as one of the most beautiful
Hellenic islands. An island which live its traditions, and
this can be felt in every step one takes there and in
every meeting with the courteous and hard - working people
of the island who they still follow the steps of their
great ancestors.
In the pitch - black nights
of winter, when the fishermen pass by the wind-buffeted
and sheer slopes of Mt. Kerkis, the highest mountain of
Samos, they say they see a light up to the peak which like
a lighthouse guides them on a safe course during a storm.
They even say that the light is the spirit of Pythagoras. |
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SAMOS BEACHES |
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2009 Samosrooms | Studios & Holiday Apartments -
Pythagorio Samos Island Greece P.C. 83103 Tel & Fax:
+302273061739 |
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