Laconia Greece Guide

The borders of Lakonia region remain almost the same since ancient time. Inhabited since the Neolithic period (6000 – 3000 BC approx.), Laconia has been found in the center of a turbulent history that influenced strongly the entire ancient world.

Leleges are mentioned as its first inhabitants, who later were intermingled with Ionians and Achaeans. Ample remains have been found from settlements of the Mycenaean period. In the region of Sparta as well as in Amycles, Molaoi, Neapoli, Vion, Monemvasia, Geraki, villages of Taygetos and Parnonas and many areas of Mani, settlements and cemeteries demonstrate the density of the population during the Mycenaean period.

Following their advent around 1100 BC, Dorians were settled in the region and having Sparta as their base they conquered the entire Lakonia.

During the paleochristianic times, Laconia suffered the invasions of barbarians and in particular of Goths. In 395 BC, it was destroyed by Alarichus. During the Byzantine times, it became province of Peloponnesus Theme, which was based in Corinth. Slavic tribes were settled in Lakoniki, at the slopes of Parnonas and Taygetos, which were Hellenized from the 10th until the 13th century.

In 1458 Turks invaded against Lakonia, without however succeeding in conquering the entire region, since many areas maintained their independence, in particular Mani. The occupation of Lakonia was concluded in the middle of the 16th century, with the exception of Mani that managed to keep some privileges and independence.

In 1685 Lakonia was occupied by the Venetians until 1715, when it was once again fall under the Turkish domination and was destroyed by the Turk-Albans due to various fights. Lakonia took active part in the revolution of 1821.