Hydra’s History
A Brief History of Hydra Island
Prehistory through Middle Ages
In ancient times, Hydra’s population was very small, and the historical record is sparse. Archaeological excavation has discovered evidence (mainly pottery sherds) of the first settlements in Episkope (today a small, inland village) between 3000 and 2500 BCE. After 2500 BCE, according to Herodotus, the island was populated by Dryopes from the Greek mainland, who subsisted through stockbreeding, agriculture, and fishing.
An image of early Hydra after settlement
The Dorian invasion of Greece in the twelfth century BCE probably resulted in a population decline, until farmers and herders, probably from Ermioni, came to Hydra in the eighth century BCE. These denizens tended to dwell inland and in the mountains due to frequent, destructive pirate raids. (more…)
A Cultural History of Modern Hydra
Since the 1950s, Hydra has drawn the interest of artists and intellectuals, gradually becoming a cosmopolitan cultural hub. A number of well-known Greek artists and intellectuals have been Hydriots, including painter Nicos Hantzikyriakos-Ghikas and poet Miltos Sahtouris. Others, like painters Panagiotis Tetsis and Periklis Vyzantios, architect Demetrios Pikionis, poets George Seferis and Odysseas Elytis, author D. Petsalis, and painter-poet Nicolaos Engonopoulos, fell in love with the island on a visit subsequently made Hydra their full- or part-time residence. (more…)
Historic Personages
Miaoulis in 1821
Andreas Vokos Miaoulis (1769–1835): A revered Hydriot here born on May 20, probably on Hydra though perhaps he brought his family to the island in later years, Miaoulis commanded the Greek naval forces during the 1821 War of Independence from the Turks. At age 16 he took command of his father’s ship and during the Napoleonic Wars broke the English blockage many times. Later a trader in corn and merchant captain, he amassed great wealth through marine commerce. Appointed admiral of Greece’s insurgent fleet in 1822 during the War of Independence, he managed to block Turkish supply ships at Napflion in that year; in 1823 and 1824, he lead his forces in spectacular defeats of the Turks at Artemisio and Geronta. The former battle is commemorated during Miaoulia, a three-day festival every year on Hydra during the third week of June. After the war he continued as head of the Greek fleet until he ceded command to former Royal Navy officer Thomas Cochrane in 1827 (at this point the conflict with the Turks rested mainly in the hands of the Great Powers). In later life, he became embroiled in Greek national civil conflicts and opposition to the Russian Party. Miaoulis died on June 11, 1835. A statue of Miaoulis stands above the cannons on the far east of Hydra’s port. (more…)
Hydra’s Architecture
Stone windmills, some in ruins, dot the hillsides, and the town and surrounding villages are home to more than 350 churches and chapels. Hydra’s status as a national historic landmark protects its unique and beautiful architecture. Any new buildings must stay in keeping with the island’s historic architectural style, using authentic colors and maintaining the traditional Hydriot character. As a result, no modern building developments (high-rise apartments, hotel complexes) can spoil Hydra’s traditional atmosphere. In addition to cars and mopeds, neon signs have been banned. Hydra’s architecture, which includes simple houses as well as grand manors, is unique to the island. (more…)
Hydra’s Historic Mansions
Mansions (Archontika)
The mansions and manors of Hydra have a history and architecture unique to the island. As most of these structures are still owned by private families, many are not open to the public. Some, however, now house public services are open to visitors. (more…)