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Pythagoreio
View on WikipediaPythagoreio (Greek: Πυθαγόρειο) is a town and municipal unit on the island of Samos, North Aegean, Greece. Before the 2011 local government reform, Pythagoreio was a municipality. Since 2019, it is a municipal unit of East Samos.[2] In 2021, the town's population was 7,515. It is the largest municipal unit in land area on Samos, at 164.662 km2 (63.576 sq mi).[3] It shares the island with the municipal units of Vathy, Karlovasi, and Marathokampos. The archaeological remains in the town, known collectively as Pythagoreion, has designated a joint UNESCO World Heritage Site with nearby Heraion.[4]
Key Information
The seat of the municipality was the town of Pythagorio, formerly known as Tigani. The town was renamed in 1955 to honour the locally born mathematician and philosopher Pythagoras. The port of the town is considered to be the oldest man-made port of the Mediterranean Sea.[5]
History
[edit]
Pythagorio is built on the ancient city of Samos. Some ruins of the ancient city are today incorporated in modern houses of Pythagorio. The ancient city reached affluence around 530 B.C. under the tyrant Polycrates. At that time Samos became a powerful nautical state.[6] This power led to richness and prosperity, which is evident from great works of the period, such as the great aqueduct (part of it is the Tunnel of Eupalinos), temple of Heraion, and Samos harbour. Today many of these works can be seen in the modern town and nearby area. The ancient fortification also remains.
Samos was conquered by Persians and declined for a while. Samos flourished again for two short periods: First during the 3rd century under Ptolemy's rule (when lived Aristarchus), and second under Roman rule. The ruins of Roman period are visible today, about half a kilometre west of Pythagorio. The harbour of Samos remained important during the Byzantine period. Ruins of the Byzantine period are visible in the area of Logothetis' Tower on the west side of the harbour.[7]
Samos totally declined during Frangokratia, when the coastal settlements depopulated. In the later Ottoman period the centre of the island was Chora, built inland, 4 km northwest of Pythagorio. During Greek War of Independence the Samian Leader Lykourgos Logothetis built a tower in Pythagorio between 1824 and 1827.[7] In 1831 Logothetis built a church near the tower. Between 1859 and 1866 the new harbour was built in the same place as the ancient harbour,[8] after which the settlement started to develop. The name of new settlement was originally Tigani, a corruption to the Italian “Dogana” that means "customs", but in 1955 renamed to Pythagorio after the name of famous ancient Greek Mathematician and Philosopher from Samos Pythagoras.[9]
Historical population
[edit]| Census | Settlement | Community | Municipal unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | 1,405 | ||
| 2001 | 1,327 | 1,642 | 9,003 |
| 2011 | 1,272 | 1,500 | 7,996 |
| 2021 | 1,277 | 1,538 | 7,515 |
Tourism and places of interest
[edit]Pythagorio is one of the most visited places of Samos since it has many archaeological sites as well as a big sandy beach. The most important sights in Pythagorio and the nearby area are:
- Tunnel of Eupalinos: a 1086-meter-long tunnel through Mount Kastro, which formed part of an ancient aqueduct. It is located about 2 km northwest of Pythagorio.
- Heraion of Samos: a very important archaeological site, with sanctuaries dedicated to Hera. It is located about 4 km west of Pythagorio and, along with Pythagorio, has been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
- Ancient harbour of Samos: The ancient harbour is located in the same place as the modern harbour. Herodotus describes a vast mole, but only a few traces have been detected archaeologically.
- Ancient theatre: a theatre of Roman period. It has been renovated and it is used for the local cultural festivals.[10]
Famous people
[edit]
- Aristarchus of Samos, astronomer and mathematician, born in Pythagorio.[11]
- Pythagoras, mathematician and philosopher, born in Pythagorio c. 580 BC.[11]
See also
[edit]- Pythagoreion and Heraion of Samos, for the Unesco Word Heritage site Pythagoreion and Heraion of Samos in Pythagorio
- Coming Forth by Day by Gabriel Levin, a book of poems written while sojourning on Pythagorio. Carcanet Press Ltd., Great Britain, 2014
Notes
[edit]- ^ "Αποτελέσματα Απογραφής Πληθυσμού - Κατοικιών 2021, Μόνιμος Πληθυσμός κατά οικισμό" [Results of the 2021 Population - Housing Census, Permanent population by settlement] (in Greek). Hellenic Statistical Authority. 29 March 2024.
- ^ "Τροποποίηση του άρθρου 1 του ν. 3852/2010" [Amendment of Article 1 of l. 3852/2010] (in Greek). Government Gazette. p. 1164.
- ^ "Population & housing census 2001 (incl. area and average elevation)" (PDF) (in Greek). National Statistical Service of Greece.
- ^ "Pythagoreion and Heraion". unesco.org. Retrieved 7 December 2014.
- ^ "Welcome to Pythagorio!". Archived from the original on 2008-10-01. Retrieved 2008-07-28. - The Official Website of the Municipality of Pythagorio. Retrieved 2008-07-28.
- ^ "Samos". odysseus.culture.gr. Retrieved 7 December 2014.
- ^ a b "Αρχαιολογικός Χώρος Κάστρου Πυθαγορείου". odysseus.culture.gr. Retrieved 7 December 2014.
- ^ "Η Σάμος και το Πυθαγόρειο". polykratisvolley.gr. Archived from the original on 17 September 2014. Retrieved 7 December 2014.
- ^ Pythagoreio Archived 2015-06-10 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Θέατρο αρχαίας πόλης Σάμου". diazoma.gr. Archived from the original on 9 December 2014. Retrieved 9 December 2014.
- ^ a b "Welcome to Pythagorio!". Archived from the original on 2007-08-17. Retrieved 2007-08-18. - The Official Website of the Municipality of Pythagorio. Retrieved 2008-07-28.
External links
[edit]- Official website (in English)
Pythagoreio
View on GrokipediaGeography
Location and topography
Pythagoreio is situated on the southeastern coast of Samos island in the North Aegean region of Greece, approximately 12 km south of Samos town, the island's capital. The town occupies a position at roughly 37°41′N 26°57′E and serves as the seat of the municipal unit of Pythagoreio, which encompasses an area of 164.7 km², making it the largest such unit on the island. Built directly on the site of the ancient city of Samos, as evidenced by archaeological excavations revealing early settlements in the area, Pythagoreio integrates modern structures with remnants of its historical predecessor.[7][8][9] The topography of Pythagoreio features gently sloping coastal plains and low hills rising from the shoreline, with the town itself positioned at an average elevation of around 10 m above sea level. To the northwest, it lies in close proximity to Mount Ampelos (also known as Karvounis), the central mountain range of Samos reaching a height of 1,153 m at its Profitis Ilias peak, which influences the local terrain with its verdant slopes and provides a natural backdrop. This varied landscape transitions from flat seaside areas to undulating elevations, supporting a mix of agricultural and built environments.[2][10] Surrounding the town is a natural harbor along the Aegean Sea, offering sheltered waters ideal for maritime activities, complemented by nearby pebble and sandy beaches accessible within walking distance. Pythagoreio is closely linked to the adjacent UNESCO World Heritage-listed archaeological zone of Pythagoreion and Heraion of Samos, encompassing the ancient fortified port and temple site on a peninsula protected by steep surrounding mountains, which defines much of the area's environmental and cultural contours.[1][6]Climate
Pythagoreio features a hot-summer Mediterranean climate classified as Csa under the Köppen system, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.[11] This climate pattern is typical of the Aegean region, where seasonal variations drive distinct weather regimes.[12] Summers are warm and arid, with average highs reaching 31°C in July and lows around 20°C, often tempered by cooling sea breezes due to the town's coastal position.[13] Winters remain mild, featuring average January lows of 9°C and highs near 13°C, alongside higher humidity levels.[14] Annual precipitation averages 600-700 mm, concentrated mostly in the winter months from October to March, while summers see minimal rainfall.[15] The area benefits from approximately 300 sunny days per year, fostering low humidity during the summer and supporting local agriculture, particularly vineyards that thrive under the ample sunlight and moderate winter conditions.[16] Occasional northerly Meltemi winds, prevalent in summer, further moderate heat but can occasionally strengthen to affect outdoor activities.[17]History
Ancient period
The area of modern Pythagoreio has evidence of human settlement dating back to the Early Bronze Age in the 3rd millennium BC, with archaeological remains at the nearby Heraion indicating one of the largest urban settlements in the Aegean during the Early Bronze II-III periods (c. 2550-2000 BC), comparable in scale to sites like Troy and Poliochni.[18] These prehistoric communities featured fortified structures, communal buildings, and extensive trade networks connecting Samos to western Anatolia, the Cyclades, mainland Greece, and Minoan Crete, highlighting the site's early role as a maritime hub.[18] By the 10th century BC, following Ionian colonization, the settlement evolved into the primary urban center of Samos, laying the foundation for its later prominence.[6] Pythagoreio emerged as a major city-state in the 6th century BC under the tyranny of Polycrates (r. c. 540-522 BC), who transformed Samos into a dominant nautical and mercantile power in the Aegean.[6] Polycrates fortified the harbor and constructed extensive city walls spanning approximately 6.43 km, enclosing an area of about 1.2 km² and protecting the urban core with defensive towers and gates, which underscored the city's strategic importance.[19] A pinnacle of engineering under his rule was the Tunnel of Eupalinos, a 1,036-meter-long aqueduct excavated through Mount Ampelos in the mid-6th century BC to supply fresh water from an inland spring to the fortified city; this feat, involving precise geodetic surveying from both ends, is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its innovative hydraulic and architectural achievement.[6] These developments not only enhanced infrastructure but also symbolized Polycrates' ambition to rival continental Greek powers. The city's religious and cultural significance was amplified by its proximity to the Heraion sanctuary, about 6 km southwest, a major temple complex dedicated to Hera that originated in the 8th century BC and grew into one of the largest in the Greek world under Polycrates, who initiated the construction of its grand dipteral temple (measuring 55.16 m by 108.63 m with 155 columns).[6] As a trade hub, ancient Samos flourished with connections to Egypt—where it maintained a dedicated quarter at Naucratis—and Asia Minor, exporting wine, pottery, and timber while importing luxury goods, which fueled economic prosperity and cultural exchange across the eastern Mediterranean.[6] This era of wealth and influence ended abruptly with Polycrates' execution in 522 BC by the Persian satrap Oroetes, leading to Samos' conquest and incorporation into the Achaemenid Empire, which imposed tribute and disrupted its autonomy.[6] Samos' involvement in the Peloponnesian War (431-404 BC) further contributed to its decline; initially allied with Athens, the island revolted in 440 BC, prompting the Samian War in which Athenian forces besieged and defeated the city, resulting in the installation of a pro-Athenian oligarchy, heavy fines, and the exile of democratic leaders, weakening its political and economic standing by the late 5th century BC.[20] Despite these setbacks, the ancient city's legacy endured through the classical era, influencing Ionian culture until the Hellenistic period.[6]Post-ancient developments
Following the Hellenistic period, the ancient city of Samos, upon which modern Pythagoreio is built, sustained its prominence as a vital port and merchant hub, rivaling nearby centers such as Smyrna and Ephesus in regional trade.[21] Under Roman rule, the settlement flourished culturally, exemplified by the construction of a theater in the 2nd century AD on the hillside near the modern Monastery of Panagia Spiliani; this structure featured a cavea, orchestra, and stage building.[22] The harbor remained economically essential into the early Byzantine era, though the town gradually declined amid broader imperial challenges, with visible ruins of Byzantine fortifications attesting to defensive efforts against invasions.[23] In the medieval period, Samos transitioned through Byzantine administration as part of the maritime theme centered in Smyrna, before falling under Genoese control in 1346, when the Giustiniani family assumed governance during the era of Latin influences in the Aegean.[21] During this time, the settlement adopted the name Tigani, possibly derived from the Italian "dogana" for a customs station, though an alternative theory links it to the Greek word for frying pan, referring to the harbor's shape.[24] The Ottoman conquest in 1475 initiated a severe downturn, with rampant piracy and plague causing near-total depopulation of the island by the late 15th century; coastal settlements like Tigani were particularly vulnerable to raids, leading to abandonment and a drastic reduction in inhabitants.[21] Recovery began in the 17th century as the population rebounded to around 10,000, bolstered by Ottoman-granted privileges such as tax exemptions that encouraged resettlement.[21] A significant revival occurred in the 19th century following Samos's involvement in the Greek War of Independence; in 1834, it was established as the autonomous Principality of Samos under Ottoman suzerainty, governed by a Christian prince and a senate representing key regions, which promoted stability and economic resurgence until 1912.[21] Modern developments accelerated with the construction of a new harbor at Tigani between 1859 and 1866, rebuilt directly atop the ancient port to facilitate trade and transit routes to Ionia, spurring settlement expansion. In 1955, the town was officially renamed Pythagoreio to commemorate the island's native philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras, aligning with efforts to highlight its classical heritage.[21] After World War II, Pythagoreio underwent notable growth, driven by the burgeoning tourism industry that capitalized on its archaeological treasures, including the UNESCO-listed Pythagoreion site, and scenic coastal appeal, prompting archaeological excavations as early as 1965 to support visitor interest.[23]Demographics
Current population
According to the 2021 Population and Housing Census conducted by the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT), the municipal unit of Pythagoreio, which encompasses the town and surrounding villages, has a permanent population of 7,515 inhabitants.[25] This unit forms part of the Samos regional unit in the North Aegean Region of Greece. The local community of Pythagoreio records 1,538 residents, while the main urban settlement (oikismos) within the town proper accounts for 1,278 individuals, reflecting an urban-rural split where the core town represents the majority of the community's population and the remainder resides in adjacent rural areas.[26][25] The local community's population density is approximately 290 people per km² (over 5.3 km²), contributing to a compact yet vibrant coastal community.[2] Demographic composition shows a gender ratio close to 50/50, with females comprising about 51.4% and males 48.6% based on national patterns from the 2021 census.[27] Age distribution follows typical trends for Greek island communities, featuring a balanced spread across working-age groups but with a notable proportion of elderly residents due to longstanding rural migration patterns. The ethnic makeup is predominantly Greek, with no significant immigrant communities noted in census data.[27] Tourism serves as a key growth factor, driving seasonal population influxes that temporarily boost the resident figures beyond permanent census numbers, particularly during peak summer months when visitor numbers can exceed 5,000 in the town area alone.[2]Historical demographics
The settlement, known as Tigani until its renaming to Pythagoreio in 1955, experienced population fluctuations influenced by broader regional events, including Ottoman rule, the Principality of Samos (1834–1912), the Balkan Wars, incorporation into Greece in 1913, and post-World War II emigration due to economic hardships. A key trend was the mid-20th century decline due to emigration driven by the Second World War and Greek Civil War, as residents migrated to urban centers in Greece or abroad for better opportunities. Recent decades have seen stabilization, bolstered by tourism growth that has supported local employment and reversed some outflows. These demographic shifts were shaped by major influences, including the autonomy period's stability and the 1955 renaming, which enhanced cultural identity linked to Pythagoras and ancient Samos.[3]| Year | Population (settlement) |
|---|---|
| 1991 | 1,405 |
| 2001 | 1,327 |
| 2011 | 1,272 |