Antі-ріrасy саmouflаge houѕeѕ on the іѕlаnd of іkаrіа
The Greek island of Ikaria in the Aegean Sea is known for its unique houses that blend seamlessly into nature. These special houses were built under huge rocks to make them difficult to detect by pirates, who once plagued the island.
Today, Ikaria has become a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its sandy beaches, picturesque villages, and unspoiled natural landscapes. However, it wasn’t always the peaceful haven it is today. Centuries ago, the island was a prime target for pirates who called the Aegean their home. In order to protect themselves from pirate attacks, the locals began constructing “anti-piracy” houses deep in the mountains, creating the illusion that the island was uninhabited.
At certain points in history, the entire population of Ikaria had to seek refuge in these stone houses to avoid attracting the attention of pirates, unless the pirates set foot on the island to search for loot. Historical records show that piracy had plagued Ikaria and other Aegean islands since the first century BC, but the situation worsened over time. Raids on the island occurred during both Roman and Byzantine rule. In the 14th century, after Ikaria became part of the Republic of Genoa, piracy reached a point where the local population had to destroy their own ports to prevent invasions. Despite these measures, the island continued to face pirate attacks.
It was only after Ikaria was incorporated into the Ottoman Empire that the people of Ikaria decided to take final measures to combat piracy. The lax Ottoman rule and laws of the time allowed pirates to attack and raid islands like Ikaria, leaving the locals with little choice. They could either stay on the island and face the pirates or leave their ancestral home and move somewhere safer. However, the locals chose a third option—to stay on the island but build a new, safer place.
These “anti-piracy houses” incorporated natural features of the island’s mountainous landscape, such as overhanging cliffs and bushes, making them harder to detect from a distance. They represented a complete reversal of the typical Greek architectural style associated with grand temples. The Ikarians of the past built houses designed to be invisible, requiring them to venture high up into the wilderness where people couldn’t see them from the sea.
The Ikarians continued to build and live in anti-piracy houses for about three decades, a period commonly referred to as the “piracy era.” Mountain villages like Lagkada still have stone houses from that time. To avoid attracting attention, these houses are usually only one story, built lower than the surrounding rock or cliff to camouflage them. They also lack chimneys to prevent columns of smoke from rising. Locals primarily interact at night and avoid using fire or any light source. They even refrain from keeping dogs for fear that their barking might attract unwanted guests.
Interestingly, despite the hardships endured by the locals over the centuries, Ikaria is known as the Greek island of longevity, where a significant proportion of the population lives healthy lives well into their 90s and many become centenarians. According to research by Dan Buettner, an American teacher and adventurer, the secret to the islanders’ long life lies in their diet and lifestyle.
All the foods consumed on the island are “homegrown.” Beans, peanuts, vegetables, honey, and olive oil are always prioritized. Meat and dairy products are not as popular. Calculations show that the amount of antioxidants in the foods on Ikaria is ten times higher than that in red wine.
The lifestyle of the people on the island is very healthy and simple. The Ikarians attach great importance to hard work. From a young age, everyone learns how to grow crops, raise livestock, and catch fish. Another factor contributing to the longevity of Ikaria’s
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