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HISTORY
Spetses used to be called Pitiousa, because of the plentitude of pine trees that the island had. Because the following years Spetses fell into oblivion, it was not renamed by some mythological figure, but sustained the same name until the first Byzantine years. During the 6th - 7th century the Slavic and Arabian raids caused the annihilation of the inhabitants, having as a result for the name Pitoussa to become Isola di Spezzie from the Venetian and later by the Albanian refugees of the 18th century to the name Petsa or Petza.

Based on mythology, Pitis was the nymph that both God Pan and Voreas (the god of the winds) were in love with. Because Pitis chose Pan over Voreas, he whipped her and threw her over a cliff. Goddess Gaia took pity of her and transformed her into a pine tree, thus and the name.

The oldest findings from the Argosaronic Gulf were found in the area of Zogeria. The first Greek Settlements that were found at Spetses and Velopoula show us that the cities were used as intermediate stops between the Pelopenese and the Cyclades.

During the 5th and up to the 4th century it is evident that Pitioussa was part of the strong city of Athens. After the division of the Byzantine Empire, Spetses fell under the Venetian reign and remained under their reign until 1460 when it then fell into the hands of the Turks.

From 1715 a small community that was established at Kastelli and slowly started to transform the island into a strong shipping power. The island participated at the Orlof revolutions and even put up the Russian flag.The fleet gained the privilege to sail under the Russian flag. 
Spetses was almost independent and self-governed by an eight-member board, run by local an elderly governor and by Turkish representatives that the elders appointed. The people of Spetses acquired incredible wealth.

Spetses


During the Pre- revolutionary period, they used to employ private tutors to teach to their children the Greek religion. Spetses was the first island of the Argosaronic gulf that participated in the revolution of 1821. Their fleet managed to blockade several Aegean ports by sea, conquered fortresses and transported provisions.
Many brave Spetsiotes participated in important sieges and captures. The commercial fleet of the island maintained its prosperity up until 1845 after which it declined and slowly the population of Spetses decreased. 
 
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