Geographical & Historical Outline of Kefalonia
Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian islands, with an area of about 780 square kilometers and 250 kilometers of coastline.
It lies opposite the west coast of Peloponnese, between Ithaca, Zakynthos and Lefkada.
In the southwest of the island rises Mount Aenos (1.628 meters).
The island has several small plains, thick woods, caves, underground funnels and mineral springs.
The climate is healthy with mild winters, relatively cool summers and many hours of sunshine during the year.
Geographical & Historical Outline of Kefalonia
According to mythology, the island was named Kefalonia after the Athenian Kefalos.
Other versions suggest that the name is derived from the ancient tribe of Kefalani, or from the fact that it is the largest of the Ionian islands and was the head of the group.
It was divided into four conflicting kingdoms: Krane, Same, Pronni and Pale which flourished during the 5th c. BC.
In Roman times the island came under the Roman rule, and during the Byzantine period it suffered from the severe pirate raids and plundering.
From the 11th to 12th c. it was the object of fierce attacks by Normans and the Crusaders.
It was later twice, occupied by the Turks and Venetians, successively.
The island was then occupied by the French republicans, and this was followed by the period of the Septinsular Republic under the suzerainty of the Sultan, and finally by the British Protectorate.
When this came to an end, the Ionian islands were united with Greece.
Municipality of Argostoli Kefalonia
