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Thassos
Mythology
One
of the many erotic adventures of Zeus, the greatest god of the ancient
Greeks, brought about the “discovery” of Thassos. Long
ago, Agenor was king of eastern Phoenicia. He had three sons, Phoenix,
Cilix and Cadmus, and one daughter, Europa. One spring day Zeus
transformed himself into a bull, kidnapped the buxom Europa and
carried her on his back to the Dictaean Cave in Crete. There, in
the form of a handsome eagle, Zeus coupled with Europa, and from
that sacred union three sons were born: Minos, the famous king of
Crete, Rhadamanthys, the wise lawgiver, and Sarpedon, the first
king of Lycia. While Europa, hidden in Crete, was enjoying Zeus’s
favors, Agenor called his sons and his grandson (or son) Thassos... |
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He ordered them to look high and low for Europa and not to return unless
they found her. Phoenix set out towards the south. Cilix went north until
he reached a fertile land where he made himself king: since then it has
been known as Cilicia. After wandering through the Greek islands, Cadmus
continued his search in mainland Greece. He visited the oracle of Apollo
at Delphi and consulted Pythia the priestess. Although he followed her
advice, he was unable to find Europa. After passing through Phocis he
came to Boeotia, where he built an acropolis, Cadmeia, and below it a
town with broad avenues, which he named Thebes. Thassos, Agenor’s
grandson or son, searched for Europe in various places until he came to
an island off Thrace. Captivated by its marvelous climate and lush vegetation
and unable to return without Europa, he gave up his quest. He and his
retinue settled on the island, which has borne his name ever since. Herodotus,
the greatest historian of antiquity, is categorical on this matter. He
says the island is “now called after that Phoenician Thassos”.
(Herodotus, Histories, 6.47.1) Because of its clear air and cool summer
breezes, the ancient poets gave the island other names, such as Aeria
or Heeria. This name was also mentioned in the Delphic oracle received
by the leader of the Parian colonists, Telesicles (680 BC): “Don’t
tell the Parians, Telesicles, that I have ordered you to build on the
isle of Aeria a city that will be visible from all around”. (Byz.
3n Thassos, Metneke Editions). It was also called Aethria, meaning “clear
blue sky”, and Chrysia, a reference to the lustrous gleam of the
gold (chrysos) once mined there.
Religion:
Religious belief of the Thasians, as of all the ancient Greeks, was centered
on the twelve gods of Olympus. However, the island’s patron was
Heracles, a mystical god who may have had his origins not in the Greek
halfgod Heracles (Hercules), but in the Phoenician god Melkarth. Special
honors were reserved for the god of the sea Poseidon and the goddess of
the hunt Artemis.
Dionysus,
god of wine, together with his Satyrs, Silenoi and Maenads, were worshiped
in orgiastic rites. The mysteries of Demeter, brought to Thassos by the
Parian priestess Cleobia, were celebrated. There were also special feasts
of Pythian Apollo, whose snowy white temple sparkled on the acropolis
above the city... |
Are
you looking for resorts on Thassos that have everything you
want for your holiday in one place.
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Are
you looking for a privately owned house, apartment or villa
to rent for your holiday stay on Thassos?
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Want
to find a good place for quick food, take out or eat in as
well as delivery in some cases?
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Here
you will find Cafeterias, Bars and Pubs that you will enjoy
during your holidays.
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Looking
for retail and wholesale products exported from Thassos Island?
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