Laconia (Greek: Λακωνία Lakonía) is a Greek region in the south of
the Peloponnese region. In ancient times, Laconia was also the name
of the Spartan state, whose free inhabitants were called Laconians
or Lacedaemonians. The expression Laconic speech is derived from the
adjective laconic as a term for the Spartans (cf. Spartan).
After the founding of the modern state of Greece in 1833, Laconia
was established as a prefecture and remained so with a few
interruptions until the administrative reform in 2010. Its powers
were transferred to the municipalities, which had been greatly
reduced in number through the merger, and to the Peloponnese region.
Since then, Laconia has formed the Laconia Regional Unit
(Περιφερειακή Ενότητα Λακωνίας Periferiakí Enótita Lakonías). This
sends seven representatives to the Regional Council of the
Peloponnese region, but has no other political significance. Laconia
includes the municipalities of Anatoliki Mani, Elafonisos, Evrotas,
Monemvasia and Sparta.
If you take the outline of the Peloponnese as a hand, the Laconic
Gulf lies between your index and middle fingers.
The tourist
center of Monemvasia with its charming old town is located in the
eastern finger. There are beautiful beaches in the immediate vicinity.
Further south in the finger it becomes increasingly deserted. In Neápoli
there are daily ferry connections to the island of Kythira. Not far from
the small mountain village of Kastania you can visit a still almost
unknown but very interesting stalactite cave, the Kastania Cave (Greek:
Σπήλαιο Καστανιάς). The island of Elafonisos, which lies off Neápoli,
can be reached from the small port town of Ágii Apóstoli by ferry or
rented boat. The southeasternmost tip of the Peloponnese is the rugged
Cape Malea.
The dry mountain landscape of the Mani with its
fortified residential towers and deserted stone villages form the middle
finger of the Peloponnese. The tip of the finger is Cape Tenaro, the
southernmost point of the Peloponnese. The Mani region is divided into
three areas:
the outer Mani north of Areopoli to Kalamata in the
Messinia region,
the inner Mani on the Messenian Gulf on the west
side of the peninsula with Areopolis and Itilo
the eastern Mani
on the Laconian Gulf with the town of Gythio.
In the Evrotas plain:
1 Sparta
or Spárti, the present city was founded in 1834
2
Mystras, capital of the Morea
Despotate in Byzantine times, today a ruined city with Venetian
fortifications worth seeing, part of Sparta
3 Evrotas, on the Parnon
peninsula
4 Monemvasia,
medieval old town
5 Gythio, tourist center in the Laconian Gulf
6
Areopoli, traditional capital of the Mani
Laconia has not yet been developed for tourism. In addition to
Monemvasia with its medieval streets, the small island of Elafonisos off
the coast is an insider tip for lovers of fine dune beaches with
turquoise blue water.
Of the archaeological sites, the ruined
city of Mystras is without a doubt the highlight of Laconia. Very little
remains of the ancient metropolis of Sparta, however.
A very
attractive landscape with residential towers and typical stone villages
can be found particularly in the south of Mani.
1 Elafonisos (Ελαφόνησος Λακωνίας) . Elafonisos is known for its
beautiful beaches, most notably Simos Beach, but also the picturesque
atmosphere and the opportunity to explore the ancient city of Pavlopetri
make the island an attractive destination.
2 Kastania Cave
(Peloponnese) (Σπήλαιο της Καστανιάς, also known as Saint Andrew's
Cave), Agios Andreas, KastaniaMunicipality of Monemvasia, 23053 (Neapoli
– Lachi (Kalenia) – Paradeisi – Kastania – Cave: 30min). Email:
info@kastaniacave.gr . The Kastania Cave is located in the southernmost
tip of the Peloponnese in the municipality of Monemvasia, not far from
the mountain villages of Apo Kastania and Kato Kastania. The stalactite
cave, which is around 1500 metres long, can be visited on a guided tour
along a 500-metre-long path on two levels. A significant feature is its
natural variety of colours. Waterfalls, curtains, huge stalactites and
bizarre formations consist of calcium carbonate in crystalline form and
are enriched with metal oxides from the surrounding rock. This creates
red (iron oxide), brown (manganese oxide), green (copper oxide), yellow
(sulphur oxide) and multi-coloured stone formations. The Kastania Cave
is a karst cave and has a constant temperature of 18 °C. It developed
three million years ago within the limestone formations of the Jurassic.
The drip flow and the formation of sediments is still active today. It
was discovered at the beginning of the 20th century by the Greek
shepherd Costas Stivaktas when he observed bees looking for water. These
kept flying into a crack in the ground. When he widened this crack and
climbed in, he found the cave. Since then, he and his descendants have
entered the cave to draw water. To this day, you can find places where
they made fires to light the cave. When a show cave was opened nearby in
1958, the family recognized the importance of their discovery and made
it public. With a little luck, you can observe the only animal
inhabitants of the cave, the colorless, blind and deaf long-horned
grasshoppers Dolichopoda.
3 Mani (Μάνη) . Known for its fascinating
landscape with steep coasts, traditional stone towers and picturesque
villages, Mani offers tourist attractions such as historical sites,
beautiful beaches, authentic local cuisine and the opportunity to
discover the region's unique cultural and architectural heritage.
In the Evrotas Delta, cases of malaria have occurred repeatedly in recent years. Although this mainly affected people who worked in agriculture, there is still a certain risk. As the economic crisis has led to an increasing number of people without health insurance, malaria could spread. It is recommended that you follow the current advice from the Foreign Office.
In antiquity, a term for Laconia or Laconic can only be traced back
to the 5th century BC. The earliest evidence of a Laconian (ancient
Greek Λάκων Lákōn) can be found in Pindar. In the archaic period, there
is therefore no reference to a region of Laconia or a group of people
identified as Laconian, who from classical times are regularly
associated with the political system of the Lacedaemonians (Sparta). In
this context, the question arises as to the demarcation from the region
of Messenia, which only ceased to be part of the Lacedaemonian polis
from 369 BC.
In ancient Greek texts, the geographical term used
is Laconia (ancient Greek Λακωνικὴ γῆ Lakōnikḗ gḗ or ancient Greek
Λακωνικὴ χώρα Lakōnikḗ chṓra). The Latin version Laconia is only
occasionally documented; Laconia is therefore only used as a modern name
for the area in the southern Peloponnese.
According to myth,
Laconia was called Lelegia in ancient times. Lelegia is derived from the
name of the mythical king Lelex.
The first traces of human presence have been identified in southern Laconia and date back to the Paleolithic era. The findings in rocky areas west of Areopolis (Apidima cave and Kalamakia site), in the Selinitsa area (east of Gytheio) and in the Kokkinia area (Akriai, in antiquity) date back to this era.
The Neolithic era (6000 BC-3000 BC) that followed has left
significant findings of human habitation. The main sites are Koufovouno,
one of the largest Neolithic settlements in the Peloponnese (south of
Sparta, in the settlement of Agios Ioannis), as well as the Alepotrypa
cave, in Diros, which was inhabited during the late Neolithic era. The
geographical location of these sites shows that during this period the
inhabitants had come from the sea and then spread inland.
The
findings of the Bronze Age are richer and are mainly located around the
Laconian Gulf. The best-known settlement of this period has been
identified at Pavlopetri, the small rocky islet between Elafonisos and
the mainland.
During the Mycenaean period the area experienced
particular development. The Homeric epics and the myth of Menelaus and
the beautiful Helen echo this reality. The archaeological findings
(mainly cemeteries with chamber tombs) also lead to the same conclusion.
Important Mycenaean centers existed in Amykles, Vapheio, Pellana,
Peristeri (next to Skala), Menelaio, Sykia, Epidaurus Limera, etc.
The descent of the Dorians, around 1100 BC, brought a part of them
to the heart of the Eurotas valley. During the 10th century BC, ancient
Sparta appears in the foreground.
During the Geometric period,
which did not leave significant archaeological finds, Sparta consisted
of four small communes: Pitani, Limni, Messoa and Cynosoura. The
legislator Lycurgus and the poets Tyrtaeus and Alcman lived in those
years. At the same time, the dual kingdom and the peculiar military
framework took their first steps.
During the mid-8th century BC,
ancient Laconia also included Amycles, Farida, Sellasia, Pellana,
Geronthrae, Elos and the Mani peninsula.
The rise of Sparta was also associated with its gradual expansion,
which began with the two Messenian Wars (735 BC-715 BC and in the
mid-7th century BC) and the conquest of fertile Messenia. In the
meantime, the Spartans had colonized Thera and Taranto (708 BC), in
Magna Graecia. Then, southern Arcadia, Tegea, Leuctron (Leontarius of
Megalopolis, mid-6th century BC), Argos, the rest of Cynouria, the Malea
peninsula and Kythera were successively conquered. During that period,
Sparta also became involved in the internal affairs of Athens, removing
the tyrant Hippias, as well as in several unsuccessful campaigns. At the
same time, the Peloponnesian League was founded, in which all the cities
of the Peloponnesus (with the exception of Argos and Elis), Aegina and
Megara participated.
From the mid-6th century, the situation
changed. The organization of the city based on soldiers-hoplites and the
implementation of the Great Edict of Lycurgus were consolidated. The
dominant figure in the interior was the ephor Chilo, while in foreign
policy was King Cleomenes I of Sparta, who crushed the Argives at Sepeia
(494 BC).
The years that followed were marked by the Persian
Wars. Sparta did not participate in the Battle of Marathon, but after
481 BC it would find itself on the front lines of the anti-Median
struggle. Its decisive role will be marked by the Battle of Thermopylae
and its participation, under Pausanias, in the Battle of Plataea.
The following period brought to the fore the rivalry between Sparta
and Athens. Sparta confirmed its strength in the battles fought at Tegea
(471 BC) and Dipaea in Arcadia (469 BC), but shortly afterwards it was
tested by a devastating earthquake and the helot revolt that followed
(465 BC).
The First Peloponnesian War (431 BC) had as turning points the
capture of Plataea (427 BC) by Sparta, the surrender of Pylos (425 BC)
to the Athenians, the Peace of Nicias (421 BC) and the Battle of
Mantinea (418 BC). The victory of Admiral Lysander at the Aigos Rivers
(405 BC) would put an end to the long-standing conflict (404 BC) and
would lead to a humiliating defeat for Athens. The war, the entry of
Persian gold, the social changes that took place and the use of
mercenaries changed the landscape in Sparta considerably.
Meanwhile, Sparta will send an army to Asia Minor against the Persians,
which will be led, after 396 BC, by King Agesilaus II of Sparta. At the
same time, the Boeotians, Corinth, Argos and Athens will form an
anti-Spartan alliance. The Corinthian War (395 BC-387 BC) will follow,
during which Lysander will lose his life and Agesilaus will be recalled.
The end of the war will come with the Antalcidian or Basilian Peace (387
BC) and the cooperation between Sparta and Persia.
During this
period, the sale of the allotment that was allocated to each citizen
will be allowed, resulting in the concentration of large areas in the
hands of a few wealthy residents. This legislative change will lead to
the loss of the land and, subsequently, to the acceptance of periokines
and helots as citizens.
In 382 BC, Phoebidas will establish a
Laconian garrison in Thebes and expel the democrats, followed by the
Theban counterattack and the defeat of Sparta in the Battle of Leuctra
(371 BC). This battle destroyed the myth of the invincible Sparta and
led to the gradual decline of its state.
The invasion of
Epaminondas and the loss of southern Arcadia and Messenia (with the
founding by the Thebans of Megalopolis, Mantineia and Messene, in 367
BC) intensified this trend, which was not reversed by the Battle of
Mantineia (362 BC) and some temporary territorial successes.
Meanwhile, the Macedonians appeared on the scene, who after the
Battle of Chaeronea (338 BC), further limited Sparta. The city's
isolation was reinforced when it refused to participate in the
Panhellenic Congress of Corinth that organized the fight against the
Persians. And when it campaigned (331 BC) against the pro-Macedonian
Megalopolis, Antipater crushed it, forcing it to take part in the
alliance.
During the Hellenistic period, Sparta will try to
regain its lost strength and will become involved in the conflicts of
the descendants of Alexander the Great. It will initially be attacked by
Demetrius the Besieger (295 BC), who destroyed the Laconian army at
Mantineia, and then by Pyrrhus (279 BC), who reached the Eurotas valley
with his elephants. Twelve years later, Sparta, Athens and Ptolemy II
Philadelphus will play a leading role in the Chremonidian War (267
BC-261 BC) against Antigonus Gonatas of Macedonia. The consolidation of
the Achaean League will then form a permanent rival for Sparta.
In the second half of the 3rd century BC, coins begin to be minted and
several Spartans serve as mercenaries in Sicily, Egypt, etc. During the
same period, the groundbreaking reforms of King Agidos IV (243 BC-242
BC) will be launched, guided by the Rhytra of Lycurgus. Initially, they
were not crowned with success, but were then violently implemented by
Cleomenes III (236 BC-222 BC). With his victories, he will restore
Sparta to the borders of the 4th century BC. However, the Macedonians,
led by Antigonus Doson, will defeat Cleomenes at Sellasia (222 BC),
forcing him to flee to Egypt. This humiliating defeat will mark the
countdown for both the reforms and the institution of the dual kingship.
The following years will be marked by Machanis (211 BC-207 BC) and
Navis (207 BC-192 BC) - who are called "tyrants" because they do not
belong to the old royal families - by the frictions with Philopoemen of
the Achaean League, the defeat of Sparta at Mantinea (207 BC) and the
emerging expansionist ambitions of Rome.
In 195 BC the Romans,
led by Flamininus, will besiege Sparta and occupy Gytheium. At the same
time, Sparta will lose 24 coastal settlements of Laconia, which will
form the Lacedaemonian League, and will finally join the Achaean League
(192 BC).
After the final victory of Rome (146 BC), Sparta would secure several
privileges and experience a particular economic boom. This did not
change even when it sided with Mithridates in his conflict with Rome.
In fact, the help that Eurycles of Laconia offered to Octavian
Augustus in the naval battle of Actium (31 BC) resulted in the
preferential treatment of Sparta and the Free Laconians, which had in
the meantime emerged from the reorganization (22 BC) of the
Lacedaemonians.
During the first two centuries AD, the Laconian
cities would develop into important Roman centers. Several new buildings
will be built, old ceremonies will be revived, new games will be
instituted, several Spartans will acquire the rights of Roman citizens.
The descriptions of the traveler Pausanias, who visited the region
around 155, give a picture of those years. Augustus, Hadrian and Herod
Atticus will appear to be particularly generous towards Sparta.
In 267, the period of calm will be violently interrupted. Laconia will
be plundered by a barbarian raid by the Heruli, which will end in the
occupation and destruction of Sparta. The region, however, will heal its
wounds. In fact, as attested by the "Edict of the Fixing of Prices"
issued by Diocletian (301), fragments of which were found in Geronthres,
Gytheio and Oitylo, Laconia will continue its economic prosperity. At
the same time, the first Christian communities will also develop.
The last 25 years of the 4th century AD were extremely painful for
Laconia. First came the devastating earthquake of 375, which struck the
entire region and sank several of the coastal cities of the Laconian
Gulf. Later, the invasion of the Visigoths of Alaric I (396) and the
occupation of Sparta will follow. In the following years, coinciding
with the end of the Roman era, the majority of the population will be
concentrated in fortified positions, while Sparta will be walled and
henceforth will appear under the name of Lacedaemonia. At the same time,
the first early Christian basilicas will be built (Gytheion, Kyparissos,
Oitylo).
With Lacedaemonia as its center, Laconia will develop significantly
during the 5th and 6th centuries. In the 6th century, the rock of
Monemvasia will begin to be inhabited. This will be followed by the
arrival of Slavic tribes, who will settle in the mountainous areas of
Taygetos and Parnonas. The two Slavic tribes (Meligians and Ezerites)
will have a course of assimilation by the local population and
Christianization.
The end of the 10th century will be marked by
the significant and multifaceted activity of Saint Nikon the Repentant
and the formation of the Lower Town of Monemvasia.
Several years
later, the Franks and Venetians of the Fourth Crusade, who did not reach
the Holy Land, would clash with the Byzantine rulers of the region, who
would surrender the castle of Lacedaemonia to Godfrey of Villehardouin
after a short siege (1210). During the same period, the castle of Geraki
and a series of other fortress buildings would be built.
The
Latin period coincided with a period of prosperity for the region and
with the abundant presence of William II of Villehardouin, who would
conquer Monemvasia and found the castle of Mystras (1249). The victory
of the Palaiologoi at the Battle of Pelagonia (1259) will put an end to
this presence and will grant them the castles of Mystras, Monemvasia and
Megali Maini as a ransom for their liberation.
From the end of
the 13th century, the role of Mystras will begin to become more
noticeable, becoming the center of the Byzantines in the Peloponnese, as
well as that of Monemvasia, which will develop into its port and an
important commercial center. Laconia will have a new period of economic
and intellectual prosperity, and from the mid-14th century, when Manuel
Kantakouzenos was appointed despot, it will become an independent
despotate. At the same time, the possessions of Mystras will expand
throughout the Peloponnese. In the following years the Ottoman threat
would appear, but the dynastic disputes of the Palaiologoi and the fall
of Constantinople (1453) would have as a fatal outcome the conquest by
Mehmed II of Mystras (1460) and the other Laconian regions. Monemvasia
was last conquered by the Ottomans (1540).
The expansion of the Ottomans in Laconia encountered significant
resistance, with Crocodile Kladas as the protagonist. During the First
Venetian-Turkish War, in fact, Kladas extended his possessions as far as
Monemvasia, but was abandoned by his Venetian allies (1479) and
continued the fight against the Ottomans alone. Ultimately, despite the
Ottoman victories, Mani and a significant part of the rest of Laconia
would maintain their independence.
During the Ottoman period,
several revolutionary movements developed in the region, which usually
centered on Mani. In fact, during the Fifth Venetian-Turkish War (1659),
the Maniites formed a plan for an alliance with the Venetians for the
liberation of the Peloponnese.
When the Venetians, led by
Francesco Morosini, recaptured the Peloponnese (1685-1715), Laconia
became one of the four administrative regions of the Peloponnese. Its
borders included the regions of Monemvasia, Mystras, Mani and Bardounia,
while its capital was Monemvasia.
During the second period of the
Ottoman period (1715-1821), this administrative division was maintained,
but after the Orlofika, Mani was separated from the pasaliki of the
Morea and came under the jurisdiction of the Kapudan Pasha.
The
Orlofika was an important moment for Laconia. In February 1770, Russian
ships led by Th. Orlof arrived at Itilo. The armed men of the region
formed two legions and were led by G. Mavromichalis, the captain of Avia
Koumoundouros and the captains of eastern Mani Grigorakides. After the
departure of the Rossomi, however, the population will be tested by the
Ottomans and Laconia will receive harsh blows.
Laconia's
contribution to the Greek Revolution of 1821 was decisive. On March 17,
1821, the Maniatians raised the banner of the Revolution at the temple
of the Taxiarches in Areopolis and on March 23 they will contribute
decisively to the liberation of Kalamata. Subsequently, Laconia will
become the field of fierce battles, mainly during Ibrahim's invasion of
the Peloponnese.
According to the first administrative division of the Greek state by
order, under governor Ioannis Kapodistrias, which was made with
Resolution X on 13 April 1828 (in Nafplio), the Peloponnese was divided
into seven "sections". The "Section E" included the Island, Kalamata,
Emblakia, Androusa, Leontario and West Mani, bearing the name "Lower
Messinia". The "Section VI" of the same division included East Mani,
Monemvasia, Mystras, Prastos, Tyros and Leonidio, i.e. Tsakonia and bore
the name "Lakonia".
Subsequently, under King Otto with the N.W. of
April 3, 1833 (Government Gazette 12) "On the division of the Kingdom of
Greece and its Administration", the "Prefectural Division" was
established in 10 prefectures. Among these 10 prefectures was the
"Prefecture of Laconia" with its capital in Mystras. Eastern Mani then
became one of the 4 provinces of the Prefecture with its capital in
Gythio, which at that time also changed its name from the Turkish
occupation to "Marathonisi". In 1836, a new Administrative Division with
Administrations and Sub-Administrations followed, where at that time the
established prefecture of Laconia was divided into two Administrations:
of Lacedaemon, which included all areas except Mani, and of Laconia,
which included only Mani. At that time, Gythio became the seat of a
sub-administration and was recognized as a Municipality.
However,
in 1845, with the Decree of 5 December 1845, the prefectural system of
administrative division was restored, resulting in the dissolution of
the two sub-administrations and the establishment of the Prefecture of
Laconia with Sparta as its capital and the creation of only 2 Districts,
of Molaoi and Limeni. This resulted in a general uprising of the Mani
people. Thus, to appease the inhabitants, the Decree of 15 June 1846
(Government Gazette 18) followed, with which the District of Gytheio was
established.
Finally, the year 1899 is still considered today to be
the most brilliant date in the history of both Mani and modern Gytheio.
And this is because, under King George I, with the new Law BXD of July
6, 1899 "On the Administrative Division of the State", Greece was
divided into 26 Prefectures, among which the Prefecture of Laconia was
established, allegedly as the 20th, with 3 provinces (Gytheion, Oitylo
and Kythera), with the seat of the Prefecture in Gytheion, and as the
21st, the Prefecture of Lacedaemon, with 2 provinces, Lacedaemon and
Epidaurus Limera, with the seat of the Prefecture in Sparta. Ten years
later, with the Law GYLD of November 16, 1909, the Prefecture of Laconia
was abolished, while the provinces (Gytheion and Oitylo) were
subordinated to the Prefecture of Laconia, which exists to this day, and
the Prefecture of Kythera to the then Prefecture of Argolida and
Corinth.
Laconia is located between the Parnon and Taygetos mountains, high
mountain ranges that usually exceed the thousand-meter mark and thus
made the entire region a fortress in ancient times. The mountain ranges
end in two "fingers" of the Peloponnese peninsula, the Parnon at the end
of a rather low chain of karst hills in Cape Kremidi, the Taygetos in
the Mani peninsula. Between them are the Laconian Gulf and the fertile
valley of the Evrotas River, which, until it reaches the Laconian Gulf
after about 70 km, is supplemented by numerous tributaries that ensure
even irrigation throughout the valley.
Only sparse archaeological
remains have survived from Sparta, the powerful capital of antiquity.
The most famous tourist destinations in the prefecture include the
Byzantine ruins of Mystras and the Diros stalactite cave in western
Mani.
In this prefecture, most residents are engaged in agricultural cultivation and the production of agricultural products, with oranges, olives, olive oil, and wine being the most common, especially in the Dafni area, either as a main source of income or as a secondary one. Several residents are engaged in livestock farming. Furthermore, the summer tourism sector is quite developed, mainly to Mystras, Diros Caves, Vathia and the coastal areas, with the most well-known tourist destinations being Monemvasia, Gythio, Elafonisos and the Akrotinaria region.
Lakonia had a positive population change from 1856 to 1907. It had a small decrease in 1920 and an increase again in 1928 and its population remained stable in 1940. From 1951 to 1971 its population decreased significantly. From 1971 to 2011 its population remained stable with a slight decrease while in 2021 it recorded a significant decrease. The largest population of Laconia was recorded in 1928 (144,336) and the smallest in 2021 (84,469). The largest population increase was recorded in 1879 (14.4%) and the smallest in 2020 (1.2%). The largest population decrease was recorded in 1961 (9.3%) and the smallest in 1940 (0.1%).
According to the prevailing tradition, Lelegas was the mythical
indigenous ancestor and first king of the region (Lelegia). He had a
daughter, Therapne, and three sons, Myles, Bumolchos and Polycaon, who
married the daughter of the king of Argos, Messenes, and moved to the
region, which now took the name of his wife. When Myles died, his son
Eurotas became king. The country that Eurotas inherited was a valley
with stagnant waters. He therefore wanted to make it rich and fertile by
opening a canal from which the waters would flow. Thus the river of the
same name was formed. The only daughter of Eurotas Sparta married the
handsome Lacedaemon, son of Zeus and Taygete, who named the country
Lacedaemon and gave his wife's name to its capital. Lacedaemon's son
Amyclas founded Amycles and buried his son Hyacinth, who died young, in
the same place. Amyclas was succeeded by Argalos, Cynortas and Oivalos.
Icarius and Tyndareus were sons of the king of Sparta Oivalos.
Icarius had five sons and one daughter, Penelope. In order to find a
suitable husband for his daughter, he set up foot races in which various
young men participated, among them Odysseus from Ithaca. Odysseus
emerged victorious in the games and was awarded the "prize" of marrying
Penelope. Icarius wanted his daughter and her husband to remain in
Lacedaemon, but both were unconvinced. When Icarius chased them,
Odysseus asked Penelope to choose whether to follow her father or her
husband. She covered her head with a veil, thus expressing submission to
her husband. Icarius, devastated, later erected a statue in her honor at
that spot, dedicated to Hades.
Tyndareus, Icarius' brother,
married Leda and with the help of Heracles took the throne of Sparta. He
settled there with his wife and had five daughters and two sons with
her. His most famous children were Clytemnestra, Helen, the Dioscuri
Castor and Polydeuces. According to the myth, Zeus, wanting to insult
Tyndareus' marriage, transformed himself into a swan and had Helen and
the Dioscuri with Leda. At the same time, Aphrodite, in order to take
revenge on Tyndareus, who had not honored her with a sacrifice, led his
daughters to commit marital infidelity. In order to marry Helen,
Tyndareus found himself in a difficult position, fearing that his choice
would cause enmity among the Achaeans. So he followed Odysseus' advice
and let Helen choose her husband, binding the other suitors with an oath
that in any circumstance they would ally and help his daughter's future
husband. This oath was invoked by Menelaus, the chosen one of Helen, to
start the Trojan War with the collaboration of the Achaeans. Helen and
Menelaus, according to the old matriarchal custom, remained in the home
of their wife in Sparta, while Clytemnestra, against her will, married
Agamemnon, the son of Atreus.
The Dioscuri, brothers of
Clytemnestra and Helen, were born on Pefnos, an island in the Messinian
Gulf. The myths stated that one of the two, Polydeuces, was immortal.
There is confusion regarding the paternity of the Dioscuri, but the view
that ultimately prevailed was that Polydeuces was born from the union of
Leda with Zeus and was immortal, while the mortal Castor was born after
"hierogamy", that is, the union of Leda with Tyndareus on the same
night, so that the children were born twins. Through various myths about
the heroism of the Dioscuri, their deeper religious essence stems.
Helen was born from the union of Zeus, transformed into a swan, and
Leda. At the age of ten, Helen is reported to have been abducted by
Theseus, and needed the protection of her Dioscuri brothers, who brought
her back. Her renowned beauty later attracted countless suitors to the
palace of Tyndareus, where Helen chose Menelaus as her husband. Guided
by Aphrodite, Helen, ten years after her marriage, was dazzled by the
beauty of a Trojan prince, Paris, who was staying in the palace of
Sparta, and followed him. This "abduction", according to Homer, was the
cause of the Trojan War. There are, of course, other variations of the
myth, but they all converge on the return of Helen, together with
Menelaus, to Sparta. In the imposing temple of Therapne (Menelaus),
dedicated to Helen and Menelaus, the Spartans worshipped them as gods,
honoring them with sacrifices.
From the Virgins of Alcmanas and the marches of Tyrtaeus to the
Maniatic elegy and the verse of Yannis Ritsos and Nikephoros Vrettakos,
the path of letters and arts, and more generally the intellectual life
in Laconia, could be captured.
In the first decade of the 1900s,
the Spartan Calendar was published, an annual publication that played a
decisive role in the arts and letters throughout the country. This
magazine was published by Agis Theros, a poet, writer and social
activist, who, together with Kostas Paroritis (Leonidas Sourea),
promoted demoticism, various folklore and historical themes and literary
matters of Laconia, especially Sparta.
Since then, important
events have taken place in Greece, to which the intellectual world of
Laconia also contributed in its own way. Many people started and
excelled in different fields from Laconia. Spilios Pasagiannis with the
peculiarity of his language. K. Eleftheroudakis and Giannis Goudelis
(Difros publications) in the publishing sector. Ioannis Theodorakopoulos
and Socrates Kougeas in the field of philosophy. Dikaios Vagiakakos
(Lakonikai Spoudai magazine) and A. Daskalakis in the university sector
together with G. Gritsopoulos, A. Katsori, G. Kapsalis, Phaedonas
Koukoules and the prolific writer on Mani A. Koutsilieri. Voula
Damianakou (partner of Vasilis Rotas) in the field of literature. K.
Petrolekas from Zarakas, in the field of essays. Koulis Alepis,
Nikiforos Vrettakos, Giannis Ritsos, T. Zervos and Giorgos Papoulias
with national reach in the field of poetry. Giorgos Tsimpidaros-Fteris
and Liana Kanelli in journalism, G. Tzanakos, Giannis Vourlitis and N.
Georgiadis in photography, N. Alevras, Kostas Vrettakos, Konstantinos
Giannaris, Stavros Konstantarakos in cinema, and many others. Several
Laconian philologists continued to publish for the Laconian area, such
as Dimitris Katsafanas, Dimitris Petsetidis, D. Alexiou, Tasos
Kapernaros, Georgia Kakourou-Chroni and many others.
Lycurgus (legislator)
Chilon of Lacedaemon
Cleomenes I of
Sparta
Leonidas
Pausanias (general)
Theophano, Byzantine
empress
Anthimos Skalistiris, bishop of Elos and fighter of 1821
Nikolaos Korfiotakis, Spartan fighter of 1821 and politician.
Demetrios Dimitrakakis, Lacedaemonian politician. (Kastori, Laconia)
Theodoritos Vresthenis bishop
Panagiotis Zografos, from Vordonia,
Laconia
Grigorakidon family
Panagiotis Krevvattas
Panagiotis
Giatrakos, fighter of 1821 (? - 1851)
Panagiotaros Venetsanakis,
thief and charioteer
Petrobeis Mavromichalis, the leader of Mani
(1765 - 1848)
Zacharias Barbitsiotis, thief and charioteer (1759 -
1805)
Ilias Tsalafatinos, fighter of 1821 (1780 to 1785 - 1858)
Alexander Othonaios, soldier and politician (1879 - 1970)
Constantinos Davakis, soldier and hero of the Greco-Italian War of 1940
(1897 - 1943)
Yiannis Ritsos, poet (1909 - 1990)
Nikiforos
Vrettakos, poet (1912 - 1991)
Dimitrios Petropoulakis, fighter of
1821 (1800 - 1870)
Spyros Niarchos (1872 - 1955)
Stavros Niarchos,
shipowner (son of Spyros Niarchos) (1909 - 1996)
Koumandaros family
Ioannis Varvitsiotis, lawyer and politician (1933)
Stylianos
Mavromichalis, judge and Prime Minister of Greece (1902 - 1981)
Tzannis Tzannetakis, politician and Prime Minister of Greece.
Panagiotis Vlachakos, vice-captain originally from Lagia, Laconia.
Pieros Voidis, chieftain of 1821 (Mavrovouni, Gythio, Laconia)
Voula
Damianakou 1914-2016
Nikolaos Tsotakos or Captain Germas 1874-1907
Ioannis Demestichas or Captain Nikiforos (originally from Kotrona,
Laconia)
Leonidas and Panagiotis Petropoulakis, Macedonian fighters
Michael Anagnostakos or Captain Matapas
Sotiris Petroulas
Konstantinos Davakis, colonel who distinguished himself in World War II
and was originally from Mani