HISTORY

According to Homer, the first inhabitant of the island was Prince Zakynthos (son of King Dardanos of Troja), who arrived to the island around 1500 - 1600 B.C.

The Romans (146 BC to 337 AD) granted many privileges to the island. During the Byzantine era, the island was repeatedly ravaged by innumerable invaders. Zakynthos was later handed over to the Franks (1204 - 1479). It was then occupied by the Turks, followed by the Venetians and the British.

In 1864 the island, together with the rest of Eptanisa, was finally united to Greece. In 1953, a terrifying earthquake destroyed most of the old buildings of the island. The capital of the island has been rebuilt keeping the Venetian style.