Zakynthos, also known as Zante, is an Ionian island located in western Greece 1. The island has a rich history dating back over 2000 years. It was first mentioned by the ancient Greek poet Homer in his epic poems “The Iliad” and “The Odyssey.” According to Homer, the first inhabitants of Zakynthos were the son of King Dardanos of Arcadia called Zakynthos and his men, who reached the island around 1500-1600 BC 23. The island was later inhabited and ruled by various civilizations such as the Mycenaeans, the Athenians, the Persians, and the Romans.
In the middle ages, the island was under the Byzantine Empire, and in the 12th century, it became part of the Venetian Republic. During this time, Zakynthos flourished economically and culturally. However, in the late 18th century, the island was occupied by the French and later by the British, who ceded it to Greece in 1864.
Today, Zakynthos is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant nightlife. Visitors can also explore the island’s rich history by visiting its numerous museums, ancient sites, and monuments 12.
Sources:
- “Zakynthos – History and culture of Zakynthos island – Zanteisland.com” https://www.zanteisland.com/en/history-zakynthos.php ↩ ↩2
- “History of Zakynthos – Wikipedia” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Zakynthos ↩ ↩2
- “History of Zakynthos island | Greeka” https://www.greeka.com/ionian/zakynthos/history/ ↩