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CHQ

The arid and barren rocky islet at the

mouth of the natural harbour of Elounda

narrates stories of human greatness.
Το άνυδρο και άγονο, βραχώδες

νησάκι στο στόμιο του λιμένα της

Έλούντας έχει να διηγηθεί ιστορίες
ανθρώπινου
Spinalonga. A barren, arid islet lying at the mouth of the
natural port of Elounda in the Lasithi prefecture of Crete. μεγαλείου.
Since antiquity, its advantageous and strategic location
was important for the protection of the city of Olounda,
ancient Elounda, which was an important harbour. Olounda
prospered until the 8th century, but was deserted due to fear
of attacks from Saracan pirates.
Many years later, when in the late 16th century the Venetians
fortified the large towns of Crete to prevent Ottoman 1881, Spinalonga had become the largest commercial centre in
expansionism, the island once connected to the mainland the area. It is estimated that during that time there were more
became one of the most important marine fortresses in the than 200 homes and several workshops on the island. Today
Mediterranean. The first phase of construction in Spinalonga many structures remain; their morphology and symmetrical
took place from 1579 to 1586, on the ruins of an ancient castle proportions are indicative of the principles of local and Balkan
most probably dating from Hellenistic times. According to architectural tradition. The settlement’s prosperity came to an
some sources, the Venetians had already constructed a canal, abrupt halt due to political developments and in 1897, French
making the islet impenetrable. Its name originated, according to military forces settled on the island for one year. The majority
the most sources, to a distortion of the phrase “Is tin Elounda”, of inhabitants had emigrated by 1903, so during the time of
which became “Spinalonde” in the 13th century and later the Cretan State, while Crete was granted autonomy under the
“Spinalonga” (long thorn). There are two zones of fortification, control of the Great Powers and was under Turkish jurisdiction,
while two rare and important monuments survive in the the island was converted into a leper colony. Patients were
northern and southern sections, built for strategic purposes: the sent from all over Crete, and later from other parts of Greece,
Michiel demilune and the Moceniga or Barbariga demilune. resulting in more than 400 people living there at its peak.
During the Cretan War (1645-1669), the last major conflict Hansen’s disease, leprosy, mostly infects the skin and nerves
between the Ottomans and the Venetians, various people under the skin, resulting in crippling pains. It is caused by
sought shelter on the island, including the rebels (chainides) a bacterium linked with tuberculosis, although it is not as
who started their guerilla warfare. Even though Chandax contagious. The disease is known and documented since
was surrendered to the Ottomans, Spinalonga remained in antiquity, and carries with it a social stigma even today.
Venetian possession until 1715, at which time the garrison There were many lepers in Crete in the early 20th century.
left. The island’s inhabitants were taken captive and sold off The lack of medical care, the fear of contamination and
as slaves. The island soon became a place of exile, but later social exclusion created the need to confine patients far
due to its fortifications it became an exclusively Ottoman from populated areas. Spinalonga, being a fortress, was
settlement. In the middle of the 19th century the island ideal because it also guaranteed their confinement, as it
attracted a large population, mainly sailors and merchants was isolated and surrounded by the sea. People infected
who sailed the trade routes of the Eastern Mediterranean. By with the disease lost their citizenship and political rights,
while all their possessions were confiscated. Later, patients
received an allowance from the state that was barely enough
to cover living costs and their medicine. People lived in the
abandoned houses of the former Turkish settlers, and went
there to die. There was no fresh water or electricity supply. All
this until 1936, when the arrival of one patient would change
everything and give Hansen sufferers a voice.
In 1936, 21-year old law student Epaminondas Remboutakis

84 GREC14N 2019