Epilogue Nisyros Island, the Inaccessible Outpost Between Orient and Occident, Home of a Restless Giant

Abstract

The epilogue is meant to provide a short review of the colourful history of Nisyros Island, found at the crossroads between occidental and oriental cultures. The interesting cultural and historical heritage of the island is a courtesy of its geographical position, in the southeast corner of the Aegean Sea, and of the circular and mountainous volcanic morphology, making it a rather inaccessible island, where values are more easily preserved. Nisyros Island offers not only a unique volcanic history and beauty of its nature, but also the splendour of art and civilization, expressed through prehistoric and historic locations and monuments. In this respect, Nisyros differs from all Dodecanese and Aegean islands. Etymological studies have led to a variety of interpretations regarding the various names of the island: Porphyris, Kisiris and Nisyros. Greek Mythology is present in many legends, which have been preserved in poems by Greek and Roman writers and geographers. Prehistoric witnesses are present from Early Neolithic times, in the form of relicts from the “Cycladic and Minoan” civilizations. Historical records start from the Hellenistic epoch and continue uninterrupted through Roman, Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman eras, into modern times. Each of these periods has enriched the island with ancient caverns and spas, magnificent castles, churches and monasteries with hagiographic frescoes. We invite the reader to dwell in the wonders of Nisyros island.