Kea The Myth…
The ancient name of Kea according to mythology was Ydrousa. The name Ydrousa, in free translation, means a place where one can find a lot of source of waters. Living in Ydrousa was like living in paradise, the land was fertile and full of forests precisely because of these water sources. Inhabitants of the island, along with people were the Nymphs. The Nymphs were mythical creatures, fairies blessed by the gods. When the Nymphs were expelled from their homelands, by a lion, the wrath of Goods hit the island. The result of the rage of Gods for the expulsion of Nymphs came with the extended drought that in combination with the sovereignty of Sirios in the uranium dome made the life in the island unbearable.
The inhabitants of the island ran for help to Aristeos, son of Apollon who was one of the Gods. Aristeos with sacrifices, accomplished to soften the rage of Gods, he was also the one who introduced the cool northern summer winds, known as meltemia, thus improving the climate on the island.
Aristeos was the one who taught the people the use of agriculture, beekeeping, and livestock.
The new name of the island is Keos, owes according to legend, the hero Keo (another son of Apollo), chief of the Lokron tribe from Nafpaktos who colonized the island.
Prehistory Of Kea…
The first traces of an organized prehistoric settlement dated between 3300 - 3200 , has been discovered on peninsula Kefalas. The next settlement found in the peninsula of St. Irene, which seems to be the natural extension of the village of Kefalas. The settlement who developed there, evolved to a fortified naval and cultural center, helping the inhabitants to communicate with the Minoan civilization of Krete under the influence of which was formed.
The continuality of life at the Agia Irini settlement, estimated at more than fifteen hundred years, which made it an important milestone in the history of the Aegean Sea.
History Of Kea…
During the historical times the Ionians allegedly inhabited the island.
The so-called Archaic Period (7th-6th century BC) is the period that Tetrapolis of Keos was established, consisting of the following cities: Ioulida Korissia, Poiiessa and Karthea.
Back at 4th century, the declining power of states cities, force Tetrapolis to join the Athenian Alliance and then after the fall of Athens, join the rising empire of Rome.
As the centuries goes by, the decline of Rome sweeps Kea also in decline and until the fourth century, only Ioulida of the four strong cities of the island is inhabited.