Greek settlers shape history of Aeolian Islands

According to its article, Greek Reporter highlights that the Aeolian Islands, located in the Tyrrhenian Sea north of Sicily, have long been a part of ancient Greek history and mythology. 

The Aeolian Islands, a group of seven islands located in the Tyrrhenian Sea north of Sicily, were historically colonized by the ancient Greeks.

In Greek mythology, the islands are associated with two gods: Aeolus, the ruler of the winds, and Hephaestus, the god of fire and metalworking, who is said to have helped Odysseus on his challenging voyage home.

Given their strategic location between Sicily and the Italian mainland, the Aeolian Islands became a point of contention among the Romans, Carthaginians, and Greek settlers.

The seven Aeolian Islands were known by different names in ancient times: Lipara (Lipari), Strongyle (Stromboli), Hiera (Vulcano), Didyme (Salina), Euonymos (Panarea), Erikussa (Alicudi), and Phoinikussa (Filicudi).

The early population of the islands likely consisted of both Italic tribes and Greek settlers, though reconstructing the islands' Bronze Age history remains a challenge. The first settlers are believed to have arrived from Sicily sometime between 4000 and 2500 BC.

The presence of Mycenaean pottery in the islands' Late Bronze Age archaeological sites indicates a significant link to ancient Greece. Between 1600 and 1200 BC, Greek settlers appear to have established themselves on the Aeolian Islands.

These early Greek inhabitants exploited the abundant obsidian deposits, formed by the volcanic activity in the region. Known for their seafaring abilities, the Greeks traded this valuable resource across the Mediterranean.

Strategically located between Sicily and the southern Italian mainland—both of which had strong Greek settlements—the Aeolian Islands played a crucial role in maritime trade, facilitating interactions with other civilizations, such as the Etruscans.

While the early history of the islands remains somewhat unclear, Greek settlement became firmly established around 600 BC. A colony was founded on Lipara by settlers from Knidos, an ancient Greek city in Asia Minor.

These settlers from Knidos were believed to have originated from Lacedaemon (Sparta). Settlement then spread to the other islands, except for Hiera, which was too rich in sulfur. However, this abundance of sulfur turned out to be a valuable trade resource for the Aeolians.

In Greek mythology, the Aeolian Islands were named after Aeolus, the god of winds and ruler of the mythical island of Aeolia.

In Homer's Odyssey, the hero Odysseus visits Aeolus on his journey back home to Ithaca. To assist him, Aeolus gives Odysseus a bag containing all the storm winds. However, Odysseus' companions open the bag, hoping to find treasure, which causes the ship to be blown back to Aeolia.

Because of the volcanic activity on the islands, especially on Strongyle and Hiera, the ancient Greeks and Romans believed that Hephaestus (Vulcan), the god of blacksmiths and metalworkers, had an entrance to his forges there.

By Naila Huseynova