The island has been inhabited since the Neolithic Age (4000 – 2800 BC). Homer called the island “INEMÓESSA”, because of the strong winds (ánemoi) in the area. There are many findings from the Minoan Age (3000 – 1400 BC). The island was the next station on from Kásos for the Cretans. The Myceneans succeeded the Minoans. Homer writes that Kárpathos sent ships, along with the other Dodekánisa islands, to fight with the Greeks in the Trojan War.
The island was colonised early in the first millennium BC by the Dorians. They founded the towns of Vrykoús, Arkéeia, Kárpathos and Potídaion. In the beginning of the 5th century BC, the Athenian Alliance was founded and the island became a member. During the war between Spárti and Athens, the island remained on the side of Athens. In the following centuries saw Roman rule and the Byzantine Empire. Afterwards, the island was raided by the Persians, Saracens, Arabs and other pillagers who plundered the unprotected islands of the Aegean.
Kárpathos finally relaxed from the 10th century BC, when the Byzantines uprooted the Saracens from Crete (the 19th century French historian Schlumberger wrote that the Byzantine victory over the Saracens was one of the greatest services to mankind). However, when the Byzantine was dissolved by the Franks in the 13th century BC, the island passed into their hands and then into the hands of the Turks in 16th century.
Kárpathos made their presence known during the Greek Revolution against the Turks in 1821. However, in 1824, after the Turkish massacre of Kásos, the island once again subjugated to their rule, afraid that their unarmed population would have the same fate. Even though the Greek Nation was founded, Kárpathos, along with the rest of the Dodekánisa remained under Turkish rule up until the Italians took over in the first half of the 20th century. In 1947, under their own Revolutionary Movement, Kárpathos managed to liberate itself and Kásos, and became part of the Greek Nation, the first of all the Dodekánisa islands.
Sightseeing: You simply must visit this island and the island of Kásos. It is an unforgettable experience, and you will relive the “good old days”. Peaceful days free from stress. Humane days where “globalisation” meant hospitality, not money or profit, or for the selected few to live at the expense of all the others.
Each village of Kárpathos has its own colour, with the most distinguished being the village of Ólympos (Élympos). Throughout the whole island but even more distinctly in Ólympos, the language has acute Doric elements. The village of Ólympos with its houses of Kárpathian architecture, rich decorations, traditional female clothing and preservation of age-old traditions is a living museum (do not forget the celebration of Panagía with song and dance that starts on the 15th August and lasts for three days). The fame of Ólympos is worldwide and attracts visitors from all around, fortunately without the village losing its colour.
Celebrations: The island of Kárpathos shows devoutness towards age-old rites and traditions. The folk celebrations of the island, the first being in Ólympos, are well known for their charm. “Mantinádes” (improvised couplets, a version of what a rap song would be in rural Greece), folk music (the island has a rich musical tradition), food, wine and dance are the basic elements of the feast. For further information, as to the times and places were the celebrations are held, inquire at the Municipality of Kárpathos (22450 22427) and you will be rewarded for your efforts.
Flavours: There are many nice flavours such as “Myzithrópita” (pies made of the white cheese myzíthra), “Makaroúnes” (hand made pasta), stuffed lamb baked in a traditional oven and many others.
