FAQs
According to mythology, Zeus, the king of Olympian gods, grew up in Naxos, hidden away from the ferocity of his father, Cronus. Dionysus, the god of wine, loved Naxos so much that he made its land fertile, full of vineyards, producing wine of excellent taste and high quality.
What god lived on Naxos? ›
Zeus, father of all gods, was born in Crete but was brought up in Naxos in his honor the inhabitants named the island's tallest mountain after him (Zeus or Zas). On the peak of Mt Zas an eagle gave Zeus the thunder, through the power of which he became ruler of Olympus, home of the gods.
What is special about Naxos island? ›
The island has the highest mountain peak in the Cyclades: Mount Zas, rising at an altitude of 1004 meters. It is also the Cycladic island with the longest coasts of the entire group, extending to over 92 km.
Was Zeus born on Naxos or Crete? ›
More precisely, according to Greek mythology, Zeus was born on the island of Crete. Unlike other babies, he did not grow up with his mother (Rhea), as one would normally expect.
What does Naxos mean in Greek? ›
Naxos (/ˈnæksɒs, -soʊs/; Greek: Νάξος, pronounced [ˈnaksos]) is a Greek island and the largest of the Cyclades. It was the centre of the archaic Cycladic culture.
What happened on Naxos? ›
The siege of Naxos (499 BC) was a failed attempt by the Milesian tyrant Aristagoras, operating with support from, and in the name of the Persian Empire of Darius the Great, to conquer the island of Naxos. It was the opening act of the Greco-Persian Wars, which would ultimately last for 50 years.
Which Greek island has the most mythology? ›
The island of Delos (/ˈdiːlɒs/; Greek: Δήλος [ˈðilos]; Attic Greek: Δῆλος, Doric Greek: Δᾶλος), near Mykonos, close to the centre of the Cyclades archipelago, is one of the most important mythological, historical, and archaeological sites in Greece.
What rituals happened at Naxos? ›
The people of Naxos used to hold an annual ceremony called the Dionysia, which included sporting events and sacrificial rites.
What did Dionysus do on Naxos? ›
Being the god of joy and merriment, Dionysus had ensured the fertility of vineyards on the island and the production of excellent wine. In gratitude, the inhabitants of Naxos dedicated a temple to the god at Yria.
Why did Theseus go to Naxos? ›
With the help of the king's daughter, Ariadne, Theseus successfully slays the beast and flees Crete, taking Ariadne with him. On their journey back to Athens, Theseus and Ariadne used the island of Naxos as a stopping point due to its central location in the waters between Athens and Crete.
The island of the palaces and Portara is undoubtedly the most imposing monument and symbol of Naxos. It is located in the harbor of the island and is the first image that every visitor has reached the island.
What is the meaning of the eye of Naxos? ›
The Eye of Naxos is unique although there are other “Eyes” similar to it but different in shape & color, found in other parts of the world. In Naxos island the “Eye” is famous for its loveliness, beauty and also because of bringing good energy and power to its bearer.
What is Naxos best for? ›
Top Attractions in Naxos
Enjoy an off-grid vacation at the island's longest uninterrupted beach. The crystal clear waters make it a great spot for swimming, and as the amenities trail off in the south, there are quiet sections… make our way upwards to Venetian Castle and Museum and Cafe. Crystal clear water!
What is the myth of Naxos? ›
The fabled history of the Greek island Naxos
According to myth, Zeus Eubouleus, the protector of the Naxians, fell in love with Semele, who was the daughter of King Cadmus of Thebes. From their union, Dionysus, the god of wine and revelry, was born.
What is Naxos known for? ›
Naxos is the largest island in the Cyclades and boasts endless, pristine sandy beaches, verdant mountains and ancient archeological sites and marble quarries.
What island was Zeus hidden? ›
But Rhea, his wife, saved the infant Zeus by substituting a stone wrapped in swaddling clothes for Cronus to swallow and hiding Zeus in a cave on Crete.
Who is the patron saint of Naxos? ›
Locals celebrate the patron saint of Naxos, Agios Nikodeimos Agioritis.
What is the Greek Sphinx of Naxos? ›
The Sphinx of Naxos, also Sphinx of the Naxians, now in the Archaeological Museum of Delphi, is a 2.22 meter tall marble statue of a sphinx, a mythical creature with the head of a woman, the chest and wings composed of the impressive feathers of a prey bird turned upward, and the body of a lioness.
Which Greek island has the most history? ›
Best Greek Islands for Ancient History
- Rhodes. Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese islands and is steeped in history and myth. ...
- Crete. Famed for its Minoan civilization, Crete is a history lover's paradise. ...
- Corfu. ...
- Kos. ...
- Naxos. ...
- Patmos. ...
- Delos. ...
- Santorini.
The Significance of the Siege
The Siege of Naxos was a milestone in a revolutionary era of Greek history. The fact that Naxians managed to defend themselves against the Persians showed the world that the Persians were not as strong as they portrayed themselves to be, which gave people hope against the tyrannical rule.
1. Greek Mythology Locations: Mount Olympus. Mount Olympus was widely known as the home of the Greek deities. With its sheer majesty, breath-taking beauty and rugged remoteness, it's not hard to see why the ancient Greeks believed that their beloved gods and goddesses dwelled there.
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The very early stages of human habitation on Naxos are lost in the mists of myth. Naxos features prominently in Greek mythology. In this island Zeus, Apollo, Dionysus and Ariadne, Demeter and Artemis were worshiped above all. Zeus, father of all gods, was born in Crete but was brought up in Naxos in his honor the inhabitants named the island’s tallest mountain after him (Zeus or Zas). On the peak of Mt Zas an eagle gave Zeus the thunder, through the power of which he became ruler of Olympus, home of the gods. Zeus fell in love with Semele, daughter of the king of Thebes. The jealous goddess Hera beguiled the young Semele into asking Zeus to appear in front of her in all his divine splendor. Zeus granted her wish, but the mortal woman could not bear the awesome sight. She perished, but Zeus saved their unborn child. He stitched the embryo into his thigh, whence Dionysus was born, in Naxos. Although the core tradition is that Dionysus was then carried off to the distant Mt Nysa in Asia, another one claims that the Nymphs Filia, Kleide and Koronis took over Dionysus’ upbringing, hiding him in the cave of Koronos, which the local folk call «evil». The people of Naxos worshipped Dionysus who in turn blessed their island with rich vineyards.
Naxos is also the island where the ships carrying home the future king of Athens, Theseus, made a stop. Theseus was returning home a victor having killed the Minotaur, the beast-like guardian of the Labyrinth (half bull, half human) son of Minos. He had also eloped with Ariadne, daughter of Minos, who helped him complete his difficult task. The god Dionysus, however, had also fallen in love with Ariadne. He came to Theseus in his sleep and convinced him to leave Naxos at once. With Ariadne now alone, Dionysus appeared to her and made her his wife. Should you look up to the skies on a clear night try to spot the Corona Borealis: it is said that Dionysus used this constellation to wreath Ariadne’s beautiful head.