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"History Of Patras"
  by Lefteris  
written: 25 October 2002
last time there: October 2002
The city has a history of more than five thousand years, as archaeological excavations have shown. Indeed its existence goes back to pre"historic times and flourished during the later Helladic or Mycenaean period. The city was created from the union of three agricultural districts; Aroe, Anthia and Messatis, which still exist today under the same names. When, around the 12th century BC, the Achaeans living in Argos and Sparta felt the full force of the Dorian invasion, left their land and moved in the area where they settled after defeating the Ionians. The area until then was called Ionia. Since then the prefecture has been called Achaia and the city took its name from Patreas, the son of Prevgenes, leader of the Achaeans.
In 700 BC, the Achaeans participated in the foundation of the Greek colonies in Sicily. During the Hellenistic period the city expanded as the population rises. In 280 BC, Achaia became member of the famous Achaean League. During the Roman period, the city played a main role, mainly due to its port, after the destruction of the port of Corinth.
In 14 BC the emperor August establishes a colony and the city flourished as trade increased. The privilege was given to Patras to mint its own coins. Consequently it won the favours of many Roman emperors and became a cosmopolitan centre. In early Christian times the city became pre"eminent. Saint Andrew taught and martyred here. Ever since, Saint Andrew has been the Patron Saint of the city.
During the Byzantine period Patras prospered, mainly due to the production of silk. During the same period, it became the subject of attacks by the Arabs and the Slavs. In 1205, it was conquered by the Franks and, in 1460, it was plundered by the Turks. In 1821 the struggle for independence from the Ottoman empire started from the region. In the last century the city became famous as a major raisin exporting centre and as an industrial base.
The city has been always at the centre of political events and it is worth mentioning that eight Greek Prime"ministers were either born or raised in Patras. The continuity of different civilisations and various cultural influences make the city rather unique.
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