A Look at the History of Achaia Prefecture

Ions are considered to be the first inhabitants of Achaia. The invasion of the Dorians in 1100 BC forced a lot of Achaeans from different parts of Peloponnesus to settle in this territory, where they founded twelve towns, including Patras and Aigio. This region was named Achaia after these new inhabitants, while the old ones left for Attica and later on they traveled to Asia Minor, which was named Ionia after them.

The Achaeans participated in the foundation of the colonies in Sicily in 700 BC, while on the contrary they did not participate in the large fights and the political events of the 5^th BC century.

Under the threat of the Macedonian expansion and having as a pretense the settlement of the Macedonian guards in the Achaean towns, these towns were reorganized and they established the Achaean Federation. The Achaean Federation was dissolved when Achaia together with the rest of Greece was submitted to the Romans in 146 BC.

The rapid spreading of Christianity affects the history of Achaia.Saint Andrew, who is also the patron saint of Patras, preached in Patras and was tortured in this town (68 after Christ).

Achaia prospered during the Byzantine period and for that reason it became the target of attacks from the Arabs and the Slavs. In 1205 the Franks conquered it. They divided it in baronets, which belonged at the Principality of Achaia or Morias.

After the fall of Konstantinoupolis, the Turks conquered also the region of Achaia (1460) and they maintained their conquest until the bursting out of the Greek Revolution in 1821. The Greek Revolution started in the Monastery of Saint Lavra near Kalavrita. The labarum (banner) of the Revolution was raised there for the first time. This fact shows once more the great desire of the Greek People for freedom against the unbearable Turkish rank.

After the liberation of Patras in 1828 the whole area around was also liberated and was joined with the rest of Greece.

Patras

The city of Patras, capital of the Prefecture of Achaia, was created by the unification of three agricultural groups of houses (Aroi, Anthia and Mesatis), and was named after Patreas, the Leader of the Achaeans that inhabited the area in 1100 BC. The foundation of the Achaean Federation made the city of Patras well known. After the year 146 BC and during the Roman Period Patras flourished, as it gained the favor of a lot of Roman Emperors and became a cosmopolitan center.

The spreading of Christianity played a very significant role for Patras and for its region. In Patras lived, preached and was tortured Saint Andreas (68 After Christ). He saved the city of Patras from the Arab and Slav pirates when they had it surrounded at 85 After Christ.

After the 9^th AC century, Patras prospered economically because of the production and the working out of silk that went on until after the year 1205, when the Franks conquered Patras. Patras was plundered from the Turks. It was liberated at 1828 with the help of the army of the French General, Meson.

Today Patras is a communicative, trade and tourist center and a very significant gate of our country towards Europe.