Medieval traces in Aegean

Medieval traces in Aegean

Greece
Aegean Sea
island of Chios

Chios is a rather biggish island in North Aegean Sea near the Turkish coast with a long history vanishing in the prehistoric civilizations in that area. As it happenned with almost all other Greek islands various past times left their significant traces on the island evolution with top moment the massacre of more than 10000 locals, together with wiping out their homes, by the Turks in 1822 as a reprisal for their participation in the greek revolution in 1821 leading to liberation. An event documented in the famous painting of Eugene Delacroix " The massacre at Chios", exposed in the Louvre museum and also in the writtings of Lord Byron and Victor Hugo. Chios is also notable for its exports of mustig gum (mastische) also ingredient in liquors and medicines.
Through the centuries and due to its vital site, the island experienced occupations by the Persians, Athenians, Macedonians,Romans, Byzntines,Venetians, Genowese and Ottomans, eventually liberated in 1912 and annexed to the Greek territory. During the Medieval period of occupation by the Byzantines, Venetians and especially Genowese(395 to 1566 AD) the island developped a high level of civilization and wealth with merchant ships crossing Mediterranean Sea and bringing richness inland. During that period many medieval establishments flourished in the island and remained almost untouched till today offering grounds of historical study but also interest to turists. Samples of these establishments are the photos that follow in the series.

The first photo is from the village of Kalamoti. photography was carried out early morning hours to avoid...traffic. A tripod was used due to low light.