HISTORY OF HYDRA

NEOLITHIC PERIOD - MYCENAEAN ERA - ARCHAIC TIMES
The name "Hydra" originates from the abundant water springs the island possessed in antiquity. Habitation on the island dates back to the Neolithic era (3000-2600 BC), with archaeological findings in Episkopi and the cave near Pevges.

During antiquity, Hydraia (as Herodotus named it) was inhabited by Dryopes, who were later expelled by the Dorians. The island later fell under the jurisdiction of the Kingdom of Mycenae, the Hermionians, and the Troezenians.

CLASSICAL - ROMAN - BYZANTINE TIMES
Limited information exists regarding these periods, though excavations at Episkopi confirm continued habitation. It is likely that due to pirate raids, many residents had temporarily abandoned the island.

15th - 18th CENTURY
In 1460, Orthodox Albanian refugees settled on the island and merged with the local population. The rocky terrain led them to the sea, where they became exceptional sailors. The current town began to be built with the hill of Kiafa as its core, providing protection from pirates.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, new families arrived from various regions (Epirus, Kythnos, Smyrna, Euboea). The Hydriots began building ships and controlling maritime trade in the Eastern Mediterranean.

PRE-REVOLUTIONARY TIMES
At the end of the 18th century, Hydra became a significant naval power with 150 ships. The Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca (1774) and the Napoleonic Wars favored their trade. In 1802, Georgios Voulgaris was appointed Bey of Hydra, bringing order and economic growth.

REVOLUTION OF 1821
Hydra declared its participation in the Revolution on April 14, 1821. With 186 ships (double those of Spetses), it played a crucial role in the naval struggle. The island provided legendary leaders such as Andreas Miaoulis, Antonios Oikonomou, Iakovos Tombazis, and others.

Following Greek Independence, Hydra gave the country a President of the Republic (Pavlos Kountouriotis), five Prime Ministers (Georgios Kountouriotis, Antonios Kriezis, Dimitrios Voulgaris, Athanasios Miaoulis, Petros Voulgaris), and numerous ministers.

20th CENTURY
In the 20th century, Hydra experienced economic decline but re-emerged as a top tourist destination in the 1950s. This was bolstered by film productions like "Boy on a Dolphin" (starring Sophia Loren), "A Girl in Black," and "Phaedra."

The island became popular with artists and celebrities (John Lennon, The Rolling Stones, Onassis, Callas, Leonard Cohen) who visited frequently, while the island itself produced significant cultural and intellectual figures for Greece.