• Flourishing civilizations since the 4th millennium BC

    with flourishing civilizations

    since the 4th millennium BC

  • Demeter's Temple

    impressive monuments

    that recently came to light

  • The museum at Apeiranthos village

    with finds

    of the early cycladic period

  • Faneromeni monastery

    monasteries and churches

    of historic and architectural importance

  • Development of modern Naxos

    bringing naxos

    to its glorious present

CLASSICAL ERA

Naxos’ importance and influence declined in the Classical age as did for most of the islands.

In the face of the Persian invasion in 499 BC under the command of Aristagoras (from Miletus), ally of Darius I of Persia (Darius the Great) attacked Naxos and set the first spark of the Persian wars that lasted for approximately 50 years. However, the Naxians were informed of the upcoming attack in time to prepare their stance that lead to a 4 month siege by the Persian army. The Siege of Naxos eventually failed since the island was too well prepared and fortified, with plenty of provisions to withstand such a long lasting attack. Herodotus provides some information of the events, the attack and the 8000 strong Naxian army.

The Persian invasion to Greece

The successful stance of the Naxians was the first clear indication that the Persians could, in fact, be defeated and opened the path for the victory of the Greeks against the Persian Empire.

In the subsequent naval battle of Salamis led by Temistokles of Athens, the Naxians absconded from the Persians and with whatever resources they had, fought on the side of the Athenians. The battle was won by the Athenians and the Persian fleet was destroyed forcing the retreat of the Persians. Eventually a power struggle in the form of the Peloponnesian war (431–404 BC) which lasted 27 years followed during which, the two great powers of the day, Athens and Sparta, clashed over control of Naxos. Athens finally lost the war and Sparta became the dominant power. The end of that war however signified the end of the Golden era of Greece and the rise of Rome.

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The highlights of Naxos

The beaches of Naxos

The secluding beaches of Naxos

More than 30 beaches !!!

Yes, it is true. The island of Naxos offers the greatest variety of beaches you could ever hope to find & endless opportunities for explorations.

The villages of Naxos

The traditional villages of Naxos

Traditional or modern Naxos villages, inhabited or abandoned, one thing is for sure, you won't ever get bored.

The various activities

Naxos activities

A wide variety of activities during your holiday

Taste new experiences during your holiday on Naxos. You may enjoy surfing, walking, snorkelling, sailing, horseback riding, cooking and so many more ...

Family holidays on Naxos

Naxos holidays

Naxos is mostly a family destination. It is ideal for families with small children.

Top Naxos Beaches Photos

The best beaches of Naxos
Naxos.net friends have selected the most wonderful photos of Naxos beaches. Have fun ...
The historical periods of Naxos
Prehistoric times on Naxos
Naxos goes a long way back, with various civilizations flourishing on the island since the 4th millennium BC and it is speculated that the first inhabitants ...
The classical period of history of Naxos
Naxos’ importance and influence declined in the Classical age as did for most of the islands. In the face of the Persian invasion in 490 BC, Naxians adopted ...
Byzantine times on Naxos
With the rise of Rome, after 41 BC, Naxos was part of the Roman province of the islands which was governed from Rhodes. The Romans often utilized the island ...
Venetian history of Naxos
Venetian rule of Naxos took place between 1207 and 1537. Around 1207 AD, the Venetian Marco Sanudo landed with his men at Agiassos and after a siege ...
The history of Naxos during Ottoman occupation
Turkish rule of Naxos lasted from 1537 to 1829 when Naxos joined the modern Greek state. The Turks chose not to colonize Naxos and the other ...
The history of Naxos during modern times
True to feudal society, Naxian society was divided into three classes: the feudal lords and “masters” who lived in mansions, the peasants ...

the best of naxos

What's new (or old) on Naxos, from our blog articles.