History
According to mythology, Odysseus was held on Lipsi for seven years under a spell of the sea nymph Calypso. Calypso was a nymph, the daughter of the Titan Atlas. She lived on the island of Ogygia. After the last of Odysseus' men had perished at sea, Odysseus himself was washed ashore on Ogygia, where Calypso became enamored of him, taking him as her lover and promising him immortality if he would stay with her. Odysseus refused her offer, wishing to return home to Ithaca and to his wife, Penelope. But Calypso refused to let him leave, and held him prisoner for seven years. Finally Athena complained of Odysseus' plight to Zeus, and Zeus sent Hermes to Ogygia to order Calypso to set Odysseus free. Calypso complied reluctantly, allowing Odysseus to construct a small boat and set sail from the island.
Lipsi is is a group of islands in the Southeast Aegean sea, they lie North of Leros and East of Patmos.The name of this group is also given to the main island as Lipsi or Lipso. This name is very ancient. It is encountered in the form Lipsia in various written historical records. As with all the islands in the Dodecanese group, so Lipsi appears to have been inhabited from prehistoric times continuing to recent times.
Around Lipsi lie 24 smaller mostly uninhabited islands with many pristine beaches. The village of Lipsi lies approximately in the centre of the island with its harbour located in a scenic bay. Lipsi is famous for its beautiful beaches, fine seafood and local dishes, the island also produces local agricultural products including meats, fruits,vegetables,
cheese, wines, honey etc.
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The history of Lipsi is inseparable from the history of the larger neighboring islands and especially that of Patmos.
Lipsi seems to have been inhabited from pre-historic times until today. Clay pots and inscriptions dating back to classical times have been found on various parts of the island. In 1370 B.C. the Kares inhabit the island while 170 years later, the Dorians occupy the island around 1200 B.C. After them, the Ionians take over the rule for several decades.
Remains and various findings that were found on a hill, testify that around the 4th century B.C. there must have existed a small town up since the location was a natural castle. In 730 A.D. |
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