Geographical & Historical Outline of Naxos
Naxos is the largest island in the Cyclades group with an area of 435 sq. km and length of coasts 91 km.
Its highest mountain is Za (Zeus) which, at 1.004 meters, is the highest in Cyclades.
The island has many underground streams that feed springs and wells, so that water is plentiful.
This factor combined with the fertile soil, means that the island has a good supply of farm produces (citrus fruits, olives, fruits, vegetables, potatoes Naxos specials and amazing wine.)
Naxian marble was famous in ancient times and completed with that of Paros.
Geographical & Historical Outline of Naxos
According to mythology, Zeus, the father of the gods, was born in Crete and grew up in Naxos.
And it was on Naxos that Dionysos was born from the thigh of his father Zeus and given to local nymphs to raise.
The earliest inhabitants of Naxos were Thracians and Pelasgians.
Later came the Karians under their leader Naxos, from whom the modern name of the island is derived.
Naxos was an important center of Cycladic civilization.
The remains of a Cycladic settlement have been excavated at Korfari Amygdalion near Panormos and another settlement with stone houses at Grotta.
The most representative finds of this period, however, are the famous Cycladic figurines.
During the Persian Wars, the Naxians fought on the side of the other Greeks at Salamis and Platea.
In 41 BC the island was conquered by the Romans.
During the Byzantine period, when it was part of the theme of the Aegean, it was frequently the victim of pirate raids, which continued into the Frankish and Turkish periods.
Municipality of Naxos & Small Cyclades
