ALONISSOS

Alonissos has a history of over 100,000 years. It is the only location in the Aegean where traces and remnants of human civilization were found. Our ancestors show us a worthy historical course of strength and adaptation to unfavourable conditions, which is to be admired.
A phenomenon which stigmatized the historical outcome of the island until 1944 was that of piracy. Generally, the area of the Northern Sporades was ideal for pirate attacks, as well as pirate havens or hideouts. The chain of islands was an important crossroads in the course of Greek Naval history. It was only natural that one of the oldest professions should find fertile ground to expand to a degree that was out of control.
The threat and fear of the pirates made the inhabitants desert their homes and towns by the seaside. They relocated on the hilltops surrounding themselves with small fortresses. Kokkinokastro was deserted in this way, a town which played a significant role in the development of trade. The outcome of this desertion was the population of the old village as the main town of the island until 1965. Even though the threat of piracy was still existent, the islanders managed to build up the island economically in many different areas.
During the historical era (9th and 8th century), the systematic cultivation of olives and vineyards started, this continued until modern times. Later, during the Archaic period (7th and 6th century), the islanders excelled with outstanding speed and development. Their wine became an export of great demand. A great fleet of both trade and naval ships is developed. The rich pine tree forests helped in developing the art of ship building during the Classical period, and the handicraft of pottery appears. The amphorae with the word “IKION” engraved on the handles are exported to all corners of the Ancient Greek world.
During the height of the Roman Empire the downward economical slump of Alonissos is apparent. All cultural development ceases and the island clearly becomes farming and breeding area. This continues on until the end of the Second World War, where the production and export of wine ceases due to an illness which wipes out the vines. Today, the economy of Alonissos relies mostly on fishing and tourism.

   from alonissos.com