Kydonia

Step back in time and explore the ancient city of Kydonia (Κυδωνία), nestled on the northwest coast of Crete where the modern city of Chania now stands. This ancient city-state, rich in history and myth, offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, with archaeological finds and historical records that paint a vivid picture of life in ancient Crete.

The Mythical Origins of Kydonia

According to legend, Kydonia was founded by King Kydon, the son of Hermes or Apollo and Akakallis, the daughter of King Minos. The name 'Kydon' could be derived from the Greek word 'kudos,' meaning glory, or from the verb 'kydano,' meaning to boast. Historical records from Diodorus Siculus suggest that the city was established by Minos himself. This mythological backdrop sets the stage for a city steeped in both historical and legendary significance.

Prehistoric Period

The name Kydonia appears on Linear B tablets from Knossos, indicating its importance even in prehistoric times. Excavations on the hill of Kastelli, the fortress of Chania's harbor, have uncovered pottery shards dating back to the Neolithic period. These finds confirm that the hill was systematically inhabited from the Early Minoan II period. Among the discoveries is a Minoan house (House I) with a characteristic corridor, which was destroyed during the Late Minoan IB period. The settlement expanded beyond the Kastelli hill, as revealed by excavations on Daskalogianni Street, where a Late Minoan IB sanctuary or purification tank was found.

Geometric and Archaic Periods

Homer mentions the Kydones, a tribe living along the banks of the Iardanos (Keritis or Kladisos) River, rather than the inhabitants of Kydonia. Herodotus records that the city was founded by Samians, who were later defeated and enslaved by a coalition of Aeginetans and Cretans. Due to these early connections, Kydonia minted coins resembling those of Aegina. Archaeological evidence from these periods is limited but significant.

Classical and Hellenistic Periods

In 429 BC, during the Peloponnesian War, Kydonia was attacked by the Athenians due to accusations from Nicias of Gortyn of pro-Spartan sympathies. In 343 BC, the city was besieged by Phalaikos and his mercenary army but he was killed when a lightning bolt struck his siege engines. During the Hellenistic period, Kydonia participated in the wars between Cretan cities. At the end of the 3rd century BC, it signed a peace treaty with Aptera. In 220/219 BC, both cities joined the Koinon of the Oreioi (which included Polyrrhenia) and annulled their alliance with Knossos. Kydonia's aggressive policy led to the capture of Phalasarna in 187 BC and Apollonia 17 years later, actions criticized by Polybius as the two cities were allies.

Roman, Late Roman, and Byzantine Periods

After the Battle of Actium in 31 BC, Augustus granted Kydonia the status of a free city for its support. The inhabitants of Kydonia are mentioned in the twelfth book of the Aeneid, where their exceptional archery skills are used in an extended Virgilian simile describing the descent of Thymus into Juturna. In 66 BC, after Marcus Antonius's failed attempt, the Romans, led by Quintus Caecilius Metellus, invaded Crete. The Cretan general Lasthenes faced them in the Battle of Kydonia, where he was defeated and retreated. The outcome forced the other general Panaretos to surrender the city without resistance.

The city's coins depict Kydon either as a baby suckling a female Cretan Hound or as an archer stringing his bow accompanied by his dog. The base of the Hellenistic wall is visible beneath the Byzantine wall on the Kastelli hill. Rescue excavations have uncovered Hellenistic installations beneath modern buildings.

Transition of Names and Preservation

It is unclear when the name Kydonia ceased to be used. Scholars suggest that the name changed under the Arabs (Saracens), who called the city Al-hanim (Chania). However, the name might derive from a suburb of Kydonia, Alchania village, where the god Velchanos was worshipped. Another theory proposes the toponym Lachania as the origin of the modern name. During the Venetian rule, Kydonia was referred to as Canea. The name is preserved in the Holy Metropolis of Kydonia and Apokoronas, established in 1962. Findings from modern archaeological excavations are displayed in the Archaeological Museum of Chania.

Whether you are a history enthusiast or a curious traveler, exploring the ancient city of Kydonia offers an unforgettable journey through time, unveiling the layers of history that have shaped this remarkable part of Crete. From its mythical origins to its strategic significance in various historical periods, Kydonia stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Crete.