The etymology of the word “Mani”
The origin of the word “Mani” has many interpretations. The place name Maini first appears in 876 AD in the “Tactics” of Leo the Wise and later in texts of the emperor Constantine Porphyrogenitus.
Possible etymologies:
- From the Latin “Manus” (hand), due to the shape of the Tigani peninsula, where the castle of Maini is located.
- From the naval command “maina” (maina – to gather the sails), due to the strong winds of the Tainaros region.
- From the word “mania”, which is associated either with the warlike nature of the inhabitants or with the custom of revenge.
- From the adjective “manos” (sparse, bald, treeless), due to the barren landscape.
- From the god Uranus, whose second name was “Manis”.
- From the Latin word “manes” (souls), related to the sanctuary of Poseidon at Akrotinaro.
Historical background
From antiquity to Byzantium
Mani has been inhabited since the Paleolithic era, as evidenced by archaeological finds in the Apidima Cave and other sites. Homer mentions cities of Mani in the Iliad, such as Oitylo, Messi and Laas.
According to Pausanias, the first inhabitants were the Leleges, followed by the Achaeans and Dorians. Mani was closely linked to Sparta.
Roman and Byzantine period
In 206 BC the “Community of Lacedaemonians” was founded, which in 146 BC was renamed the “Community of Free Laconians”. This union was a democratically organized federation centered in Gytheion.
During the 6th century, a strong earthquake destroyed many cities in Mani. In the 9th century, the Maniates were baptized as Christians by Nikon the Repentant.
Frankish rule and Ottoman period
After 1204, Mani came under the Franks. They resisted vigorously, so the Franks built three castles: Passava, Megali Maini and Lefktro. In 1259, Mani passed to the Despotate of Mystras.
In 1460, Mehmed II tried to ally the Maniates, but they allied themselves with the Venetians. Mani remained essentially autonomous during the Ottoman rule and was a refuge for revolutionaries.
Mani in the Greek Revolution
Mani played a decisive role in the Revolution of 1821. The Friendly Society considered it an ideal base for the uprising. The Battle of Verga in 1826 was significant, where the Maniites defeated Ibrahim Pasha.