Zakynthos Informer Zakynthos Informer
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There are many things visitors love about Zakynthos. From the numerous beaches and coves, to the plentiful restaurants and bars with lots to see and do, there is something for everyone.
The one thing that does confuse visitors time and again however, is the islands name. Some call it Zakynthos and others use the name Zante.
So who is right, and what is the correct name?
History
The name of the island is all down to the numerous and varied changes in the islands history. Around 3000 years ago the island was called Hyrie, but there was also a brief moment in ancient times, during Homer’s lifetime, when the island was also briefly known as Ilysia. Then approximately 2500 years ago the son of Dardanus came to the island from Psophis in Arcadia and the island was renamed Zakynthos in his honour, with the main Town (Zakynthos Town) being called Psophis. For centuries island residents, called Zakynthians, lived their lives, fought numerous battles and were invaded by many nations, but throughout all of this the islands name of Zakynthos remained consistent.
In the 1400’s the Venetians occupied Zakynthos, taking it from the troublesome Franks and Crusaders. From that moment the Italians used their own name of Zante to describe the island. Zakynthians became name as Zantiotes and the name Zante remained in use through centuries of Venetian rule. The name of Zakynthos, although unused, wasn’t completely forgotten though and it survived a complex history, albeit briefly resigned to history books.
When the French and English invaded the island they too used chose to use the term Zante, but after the French and English were ousted and the island was returned to Greek occupation, the name Zakynthos was once more reinstated and used as the islands official name.
So what is the correct name?
This is an argument that many people have. Strictly speaking, Zakynthos is the true Greek name and many now consider it to be the islands real name. There are some however, that use still use Zante, and you may even find the odd local also using Tzante! This inconsistency is down to the complex island history and it’s understandable.
Whatever name you do choose to use, the island still remains the same, welcoming, friendly, and a great place to visit!
