Naxos' first inhabitants are thought to have been Thracians, later joined by Careswho named the
island (after their King, Naxo). Many finds (tools, statues etc.) reveal the remarkable
prehistoric civilization of that era. Homer mentions Naxos under the name "Dia" but the island
had many other names as years passed (Dionysus, Strogili -because of its shape-,Tragia etc.). Later
Cretans, Phoenicians and lones settled on the island. Monuments from that era are the ruins of
the temple of Apollon (Portara) on the small island at the entrance of the port, as well as the
two Kouri (of Apollon and of Melanon). According to mythology, on this island Thiseus abandoned
princess Ariadne, daughter of Minoas, king of Creta, after she helped him kill the Minotaurus and
escape from the Labyrinth. In Naxos Dionysos, god of the island and protector of wine, festivities
and cheerfulness, met her and fell in love with her.But Ariadne, unable to bear the separation,
killed herself.In Naxos the Cycladic civilization developed, proof of which are the characteristic
Cycladic idols, famous all around the world, which even today inspire artistic creation like
jewellery, sculpture etc. The Cycladic civilization was succeeded by the Athenian and the next
inhabitants of Naxos were Athenians. During that era Naxos had a great cultural and financial
growth.
Of course, such a rich and fertile island was bound to have many enemies as well as many
conquerors: Persians, Macedonians, Romans. Later, Naxos joined the byzantine empire. During the
13th century the island was conquered by the Venetian Marco Sanudo. He created the Grand Duchy of
Naxia, capital of which was Naxos and members the other islands of the area. The Venetians were
replaced by the Turks, who under the leadership of Haired in Barbarosa
conquered and plundered the
island. The turkish sovereignty lasted until 1821 when the island revolted and finally became a
member of the Greek state in 1932. Since then Naxos is prospering through its "children", many of
whom rose in the domains of democracy, art and civilization in Greece as well as all around the
world.