|
HISTORY OF THE ISLAND
Kefalonia
is the largest of the Ionian Islands along with the island of Ithaca
which forms the prefecture of Kefalonia.
It has a population of 37,000 inhabitants, and its capital town is
Argostoli. The mountainous morphology of its terrain with the flow of
much water creates strange geological phenomena. Beautiful rocky shores
and sandy beaches surround the island on all sides. Its mild climate
with its sun shining during most of the days of the year, allows the
visitors to enjoy the sea and its natural beauties. The Argostoli
airport and the seaports of Sami, Agia Efimia and Argostoli, provide the
possibility for good communication and development of tourism.
MYTHOLOGY
It is
believed that the island got its name from Kefalos, who was its first
King. The island is mentioned as tetrapolis, because in ancient times it
was divided into four cities which took their names from the four sons
of Kefalos: Pali, Krani, Sami and Proni. By the 11th century
B.C., the island had developed into one of the cultural centers of
the Mycenean civilization. From archeological findings such as fossils,
animals and plants, bones, tools and utensils that the Kefalonian
archaeologist Mr. Spiros Marinatos has brought to light, it seems that
there has been life on the island since long ago.
One can admire all these findings that come from the Mycenean graves at
Mazarakata, Kokkolata and Lakythra as well as at the Archaeological
Museum of Argostoli.
THE ROMANS IN KEFALONIA
The wars of
the Romans against Greece started in 200 B.C. The Romans wanted to
conquer the famous, island of Ulysses more out of ambition than anything
else.
Kefalonia became a naval base for the Roman forces and a base of
operations against the rest of Greece in 189 B.C.
THE BYZANTINE PERIOD
Following
the division of the Roman Empire into an Eastern and Western state (395
A.D.), Kefalonia already belonged to the Byzantine Empire. It played an
important part in the defense of the Empire in confronting the pirates
who came from North Africa and destroyed the coastal regions of the
Mediterranean Sea.
FRANKISH AND VENETIAN RULE
In 1185,
Kefalonia came under Frankish rule. It was conquered successive by the
Normans, Orsinis, Andegans and Toccans. The Turks ruled the island for a
short period, (1479-1481) and (1485-1500). From 1500 to 1797 it was
ruled by Venice. The capital of the island became the fortress of Saint
George and the General Command of Venetian officers who settled there,
but the location and importance of the port of Argostoli compelled them
to transfer the capital to Argostoli in 1757.
The French also settled in Kefalonia for short periods. There was French
possession during 1797-1799 and 1807-1809, the first time by the
Republicans and the second time by the imperial forces of Napoleon.
BRITISH RULE
The British
settled in Kefalonia in 1809, and their rule played an important part in
the island’s development.
The streets of Argostoli and Livathos were constructed then by the
distinguished administrator of the island Philip de Bosset. He himself
cared for the city planning of Argostoli. He constructed important
public buildings and the Drapanos Bridge that had originally been made
of wood.
Also important buildings have been constructed by the Governor Charles
Napier, such as the Argostoli Court House, the customs house, the
Lighthouse of Saint Theodoros, the Market of Lixouri and others.
British rule in Kefalonia ended in 1864 following the union of the
Ionian Islands with the rest of Greece.
FOLKLORE – TRADITIONS
The
influence of the European conquerors on the life and habits of
Kefalonians resulted in a particular way of shaping their speech,
attire, education and art. The language was influenced by the Italian
and Venetians. Many Italian words are preserved even today. The
aristocrats used to send their sons to study in Western Europe, mainly
in Italy. It was customary to teach their daughters foreign languages,
how to play the piano, have tea in the afternoon, go to the theater, to
evening parties or dancing parties.
They often
travelled abroad and brought to the island the best European textiles,
lace, dresses, furniture and decorative objects. They gave women a
special place in society, which Greek women who lived in Greece under
Turkish rule did not have. An important part in the life of the
Kefalonians was played by the theater <<KEFALOS>>, where important plays
were performed by Italian troupes and Kefalonian amateur actors.
Kefalonians
have been influenced a lot by Italian music. The National Music School
was established in Lixouri by Dionysis Lavrangas (1864-1941). The arias
that gradually became Greek creations, the serenades and the local
popular songs, always sung with the accompaniment of a guitar have
Italian influence. The church chanting of Kefalonia also stands out. It
has a peculiarity and majesty that departs from the Byzantine tradition.
Formal
European balls were given then by rich people. The popular also public
dances started later and gradually dancing schools and ballrooms were
established.
In the
beginning, the local dances were influenced by Cretan and Peloponnesian
dances, but later they acquired their own character and were accompanied
by violins, guitars or mandolins. These dances are preserved even
today. We see them at carnivals, celebrations and festivals. They are:
Ballos, Mermingas, Girouzatos, Divaratikos, Syrtos, Voskopoules and
others. They are presented by the local dancing groups
<<Ballos>>, <<Tetrapolis>>, <<Mermingas>>, <<Kaminarades>> and
others. |
