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Symi
Historians have verified from various findings (ancient buildings, ramparts, remains of roads, writings from Hellenistic and Roman times, Byzantine and past Byzantine sculptures) that Symi was occupied from ancient times. They concluded that the island was organised into municipalities and that its residents were prosperous and took part in important events in Greek history. In the upper town there is a small museum, which chronicles the history of Symi from its very early days.
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In
ancient times Symi had various different names: Metapontis, Egli,
Kariki, and others. The name which prevailed is, according to
Mythology, due to Glafkos abducting a young girl named Symi. They
settled down on the island and became the first residents. Glafkos
was famous as a swimmer, navigator, sponge diver, fisherman and boat
builder, characteristics that the people of Symi gained through the
years.
The
island is also known for certain historic facts. It is known as the
island of Nireas; the king of Symi, Nireas, was involved in the
Trojan War. Moreover it is well known for the monastery of Archangel
Michael, and also as the island upon which the Germans surrendered
to the Allies in 1945, when the Dodecanese Protocol was signed in
Symi .- RAM UNIVERSAL STUDIOS -