If you are planning a journey, Corfu is the perfect destination for you. In this text, you will get acquainted with the rich history of Corfu, from the legend of the Argonauts to the present day, focusing on key events that have shaped this beautiful island. Familiarize yourself with Corfu’s cultural heritage and discover why it has become a significant place on the world tourism map, attracting tourists from all corners of the globe.

How Did the Island Get Its Name?

According to tradition, the Greek name Kerkyra (Κέρκυρα, Kerkyra), the island was named after the nymph Kerkira, whom the sea god Poseidon brought to this island. From their union, Phaeax was born, who was the ancestor of the Phaeacians, an ancient and hospitable people who welcomed the Argonauts as well as Homer’s hero Odysseus on his journey to Ithaca.

Corfu in Greek Mythology - Island of the Argonauts and Odysseus

Jason and the Argonauts

Apollonius of Rhodes in his work The Argonautica narrates that the island of Corfu served as an important stop for Jason and his Argonauts in their quest for the Golden Fleece.

The Argonauts set out on their journey to Colchis (modern-day Georgia) on the Black Sea from Iolcos, a city in Thessaly, located in the central part of Greece, near present-day Volos. Recently, archaeological remains of a settlement believed to be the ancient city of Iolcos, the capital of the Argonauts, have been discovered.

The Journey of the Argonauts:

Iolcos was known as the home of King Aeson, Jason’s father. King Pelias, Aeson’s half-brother, retained the throne, prompting Jason to embark on a journey to reclaim his right to the throne and gain fame.

Jason then gathered a group of heroes, including significant figures such as Heracles, Orpheus, Atalanta, and many others. Their expedition began on the ship “Argo,” from which the name Argonauts originated.

Apollonius of Rhodes highlights that Corfu was indeed a stop for Jason and his Argonauts. According to legend, the sea god Poseidon was connected to this island, making Corfu not only a physical location but also a symbolic place of encounters with gods and other mythological beings. This journey provided them with the opportunity to receive blessings and assistance during their quest.

When the Argonauts arrived in Corfu, they met the Phaeacians, known for their hospitality.

In ancient times, navigation was not easy. Stops like Corfu allowed travelers to protect themselves from adverse weather conditions, rough currents, or other dangers at sea. In that context, Corfu could have been an important place for rest and planning the next steps.

On their great journey, which involved circling the entire Europe, as shown on one map, the Argonauts passed through our regions, up the Danube to the Black Sea. (here I will mention the title of the book that covers this).

Myths such as this one about the Argonauts serve not only as tales of heroes and gods but also as means of understanding nature and human experiences. Corfu, as a symbol of those journeys, represents the strength, challenges, and blessings that heroes seek on their path.

Speaking of heroes and heroines, it is worth reading the text about our ancestors, heroes who, thousands of years later, found refreshment and strength for the decisive battle and return to their homeland, Serbia, right on this island:

Odysseus in Corfu

In Homer’s “Odyssey,” Odysseus, after a long and dangerous wandering at sea, when he escaped from Calypso and was finally on his way home, faced the wrath of Poseidon, who turned his ship into a rock. He was thrown onto the shore of an island belonging to the Phaeacians—today’s Corfu.

There he was found by Nausicaa, the daughter of King Alcinous, who took him to the palace. The Phaeacians, known for their hospitality and skill in navigation, held a feast in Odysseus’s honor, listened to his tales of adventures, and eventually helped him return home to Ithaca. Corfu thus appears as an important resting point in Odysseus’s epic quest to return home.

Ancient and Hellenistic Period

The first settlers on Corfu were the Eretrians, who arrived on the island around 775-750 BC. However, their stay did not last long because the Corinthians, known for their colonizing expansion, expelled them in 730 BC and settled in the area of present-day Kanoni. This period brought peace and harmony between the inhabitants of Corfu and the Corinthians, and the island experienced an economic boom, so much so that it even had its own currency.

As we have mentioned, the Corinthians settled in the area of present-day Kanoni in 730 BC, one of the most famous parts of Corfu. Kanoni is famous today for its beautiful view of the church of Panagia Vlacherna and the small island of Pontikonisi (Mouse Island), one of the most photographed places in Corfu. This green hill, located just a few kilometers from the city of Corfu, was named after an old cannon that still sits on top of the hill, surrounded by luxury hotels and private residences.

Corfu was long under the influence of Corinth, but towards the end of the Peloponnesian War, there was a turning point. The island, in 375 BC, became an ally of Athens, allowing it to gradually gain independence and form its own state.

In the Hellenistic period, around 300 BC, Corfu’s independence came under attack. The island was raided by pirates from Syracuse, supported by Macedonian kings and Illyrian pirates, making the Mediterranean unsafe for trade. Instead of the expected period of peace and prosperity, Corfu faced constant attacks and insecurity.

When Illyrian attacks became unbearable, the Corfiots sought help from the Romans.
In the war against the Illyrian queen Teuta, Corfu became the first Roman province in Greece. Later, it was annexed to the Roman province of Macedonia, and during the reign of Emperor Augustus, it became part of the province of Epirus.

With the division of the Roman Empire in 395 AD, Corfu fell under the Eastern Roman Empire, marking a new era in the rich history of this island.

Corfu in the Byzantine Empire (395-1204)

Corfu became part of the Byzantine Empire, which had a significant influence on the culture, religion, and politics of the island. Christianity continued to spread, and Corfu became an important religious center.

This thousand-year period is significant in the history of Corfu and encompasses many important events. Here are a few key points related to that period:

Culture and Architecture: During the Byzantine period, many churches and monasteries were built on the island. These buildings were often adorned with frescoes and mosaics, becoming centers of religious and cultural life.

Economy: Corfu was an important trade route in the Ionian Sea. Its strategic position enabled the development of trade with other parts of the Mediterranean, particularly with Italy and Dalmatia.

Attacks and Invasions: Although under Byzantine rule, Corfu faced attacks from various groups, including Avar and Arab raiders. These attacks often led to the strengthening of military fortifications on the island.

Crusades (11th and 12th centuries): As the Crusades unfolded, Corfu became strategically important for Western powers, leading to conflicts and changes in power. This period laid the foundation for future events, including the Norman and Crusader invasions in the 12th century.

Together, these aspects paint a complex picture of Corfu from the fall of the Roman Empire to the Middle Ages.

Early Christian Period and Basilica Remains in Corfu

There are not many preserved basilicas from the pre-Byzantine period in Corfu, but there are several significant archaeological sites and churches dating back to early Christian times that can be considered pre-Byzantine. Here are a few examples:

Basilica in Agios Mattheos: This church was built in the 5th century and represents an example of early Christian architecture. Located near the village of Agios Matthaios, archaeological research has revealed the remains of an early Christian basilica.

Early Christian Basilica in Paleokastritsa: At this site, the remains of an early Christian church dating from the 5th century have been found. This church likely served as a center of religious life before the Byzantine period.

Remains of a church in Kassiopi: In Kassiopi, the remains of a basilica dating from the early Christian period can be found and considered pre-Byzantine. Research has uncovered foundations and parts of walls dating back to the 5th century.

While these examples may not be extensive and monumental basilicas like those found in other places in Greece, they represent significant archaeological and cultural sites that shed light on Corfu’s history before the Byzantine period.

Middle Ages

The Middle Ages represent a turbulent period for Corfu, marked by constant attacks by barbarians and pirates. However, this period, which lasted from the 4th to the early 11th century, was also a time of spreading Christianity on the island, leaving a deep imprint on its culture.

During this time, Corfu was used as an important base by Emperor Justinian for his military campaigns in Africa and against the Goths. In 1081, the Normans solidified their control over the island under the leadership of Robert Guiscard, further changing the political situation in Corfu.

After the Fourth Crusade, in 1204, Corfu came under the rule of the Epirote despots, only to be conquered by the Kingdom of Naples in 1267. In the 14th century, the island was taken over by the Republic of Venice, leading to the convergence of Western feudal culture with the local Hellenic-Orthodox tradition. This synthesis created a unique culture that further enriched Corfu’s identity.

Venetian rule lasted for four centuries (1385-1796), during which the island’s governance was organized according to Venice’s aristocratic system. The population was divided into three classes: nobles, citizens, and commoners. Education was organized within monasteries, where the clergy taught children, while the wealthier could study in Italian academies.
The Venetians significantly contributed to the development of olive cultivation on Corfu, laying a solid foundation for the island’s economic future and ensuring valuable olive oil supplies to Venice.

Venetian rule allowed Corfu to become one of the few regions in Greece not subjected to the tyrannical hegemony of the Ottomans, preserving its unique identity through the centuries.

French and English Rule in Corfu

After the fall of the Republic of Venice in 1797, Corfu and the other Ionian Islands fell under the rule of France. This rule brought numerous changes and reforms to the island. However, the period of French domination was interrupted by a brief Russian protectorate from 1798 to 1807, after which France reestablished control until 1814.

After the withdrawal of the French from the Ionian Islands, various foreign powers expressed interest in controlling this strategic location. However, with the help of Ioannis Kapodistrias, a native Corfiot, the Treaty of Paris was signed in 1815, recognizing the Ionian Islands as free territories under the protection of England.

Ioannis Kapodistrias, born in Corfu in 1776, was the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Empire, a prominent Russian and Greek statesman, and the first governor of independent Greece. His body, after his assassination in Nafplion in 1831, was transferred to Corfu in 1832 by his brother Augustinos and buried in the Platytera Monastery, the family monastery of this distinguished family.

After the formation of the United States of the Ionian Islands, the first commissioner appointed was Thomas Maitland. His repressive policies sparked strong reactions among the people of Corfu; nevertheless, the English occupation proved to be the most prosperous for the island.

During this period, Corfu experienced significant developments in its economy, public health, and education. The first Greek university was founded, a road network was established, and the healthcare system was improved. Also, during those years, trade with neighboring states increased significantly, making Corfu an important economic center in the region.

The University of the Ionian Islands exists today. Founded in 1824, it is one of the oldest universities in Greece. The headquarters of the university is located in Corfu, and it has campuses in other cities such as Zakynthos and Lefkada. The university offers various study programs in areas such as social sciences, communication sciences, environmental sciences, and arts. This institution is known for its contribution to education and research and continues to play a significant role in the academic community in Greece.

Annexation of Corfu to Greece: A New Era for the Island

With the signing of the London Agreement in 1863 by the Great Powers, the English protectorate over the Ionian Islands finally ended. This decision marked a turning point in the history of Corfu, and on May 21, 1864, the island proudly joined Greece, opening the doors to a new era of political and economic prosperity.

Revitalization of Corfu

After annexation, Corfu began to flourish, experiencing significant development in agriculture and the arts. The inhabitants rediscovered their love for tradition and culture, strengthening their identity within the new/old state. Urban life was revived, and the streets were filled with music, paintings, and crafts. Corfu became a meeting place of different cultures, where Greek, Italian, and other traditions merged into a unique symphony.

During this period, Corfu was known for its artists and intellectuals. Artistic colonies were established, attracting painters and poets from all over Europe. The most prominent artists of that era were painters such as Nikolaos Gyzis and Georgios Roilos, who left a deep mark with their works in the cultural heritage of the island. Many churches and monasteries were renovated, and frescoes and mosaics were revived, further enriching Corfu’s visual identity.

Challenges of the Twentieth Century

However, the twentieth century brought serious challenges for the people of Corfu. Two World Wars left a significant impact on the island, including the destruction of many historical and architectural monuments that testified to its rich past.

During World War I, from 1916 to 1918, Corfu was the seat of the Serbian government in exile. This period was crucial for the Serbian people, and in 1917, the “*Corfu Declaration*” was signed on the island, marking the establishment of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes and later Yugoslavia.
Read more about the importance of Corfu for Serbian history in our article Serbian History in Corfu: A place you must visit.

Recovery and Development

Although difficult moments marked the post-war period, the people of Corfu proved resilient. Leveraging the magical nature and benefits of the climate, they managed to initiate new economic development. Agriculture recovered, and tourism, which had slowly begun to develop, became a significant source of income. Corfu once again shone with its beauty, attracting visitors from all over the world, while the streets were filled with laughter and life.

In this context, the tourism industry flourished. The island became a popular destination for vacations, leading to the construction of new hotels and restaurants. Today, Corfu not only offers natural beauty but also a rich cultural offer that includes festivals, concerts, and exhibitions.

Corfu Today

Corfu today can be considered one of the most organized islands in Greece and certainly one of the most beautiful places for a holiday in the entire Mediterranean. Its beaches with fine sand, picturesque bays stretching like pearls of the Ionian Sea, and the hospitality of the locals capture the hearts of thousands of tourists who eagerly return to this island, enchanted by the charm of the old town and the tradition the island continues to nurture.

While fishing and agriculture play important roles in the island’s economy, European tourism is the most significant source of income. Corfu is expected to continue growing as a popular destination, with numerous festivals and cultural events celebrating its rich history and tradition.

During the winter months, Corfu does not lose its vibrancy; thanks to the Ionian University, considered one of the most important academic institutions in Greece, the island becomes a center of education and youthful energy. This contributes to the diversity and vitality of the local community, which manages to retain its unique identity while adapting to modern challenges.

Check out accommodation on Corfu HERE.

Sources:

Richard Clogg, A Concise History of Greece, Clio, 2000.
Roderick Beaton, Greeks: A Comprehensive History, Laguna, 2023.
Λoukianos Zami, Distinguished Corfiots of the 16th-19th century. Their lives and works, pub. Corfu Studies Society, 2012.
Dana Facaros; Michael Pauls, The Greek Islands, 2007.
https://www.corfuhistory.eu (edited)

Photographs: Από FoolsWar - Έργο αυτού που το ανεβάζει, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=36626001

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