History of Aegina

The island of Aegina was important in ancient times. It was a powerful maritime and trading state, the first Greek coins were minted here, the best copper was mined, and pottery was made.

The island flourished in the 7th and 5th centuries B.C., the merchants of the island controlled the trade with Egypt. "The Aegian talent" was adopted as the standard measure for precious metals.

The temple of Afaya was built at this time and is well-preserved to this day with its perfect proportions. The temple was one of the first monuments of the Classical era (5th century BC). The pediments of the temple of Afaya were richly decorated with sculptures depicting plots of the Trojan war, the war of the Greeks, heroes and gods.

According to legend, Aphaia was a Cretan goddess. She found refuge on the island of Aegina, fleeing from the persecution of Minos, king of Crete. At the place where the temple was built, Aphaea sprang into the sky and became invisible, so her name is translated. Inside the temple there was a tsella with a sculpture of the goddess Aphaia. Not far from the temple was a pool of olive oil, where the ancient Greeks performed sacrifices.

The island of Aegina was always in competition and enmity with Athens because of the trade rivalry. The island was on the side of Sparta, Athens chief enemy. In 456 BC the Athenians took over the island and made it their colony.

During the time of Alexander the Great, Aegina passed into the hands of the Macedonians.

In the Byzantine period, Aegina was part of Hellas.

In 1718 Aegina was captured by the Turks. After the war of liberation from Turkish rule, the government of the young Greek Republic moved to the island of Aegina.

In 1828 the island becomes the unofficial capital of Greece, headed by I. Capodistria.

A coin depicting the symbol of the liberation of the Phoenix bird and the first printing house that produced newspapers for free Greece - gave the island great significance.