The declaration of the Independence of United States of America, which was until then the colony of the English Crown, preceded the Greek Revolution of 1821, for about four decades. The new state of America, during its organizational process, borrowed a lot of features from Ancient Greek Republic and was fond of Greek civilization and also of the enslaved to the Ottoman Empire Greeks. They were so sympathetic that at the American Congress, they put the issue of establishing the Greek language as the official language of the state. The proposition was not adopted for just a few votes. Anyway, there was in United States of America a small but dynamic Community of colonists of Greek origin that used to state the Greek rights to the present government of USA.

It is obvious, then, that, under these circumstances, the Greek revolutionaries even from their first steps to freedom, they would think to ask for the help of the young American democracy. So, there is the text of the Messinian Senate signed by the Commander in Chief Petros Mavromihalis, Petrobeys. It was written almost at the same time of the “Plea to the European Courts” which is more known. Therefore, we bring it back to publicity in order to inform our readers about this important document. The plea was followed by an important wave of friends of Greece, both in financially and fighting which has been analytically recorded by the historians of the Revolution in 1821.

THE PROCLAMATION BY P. MAVROMIHALIS TO THE AMERICANS

By Petroby Mavromihalis, under the status of the commander in chief and President of  “Messinian Senate in Kalamata” it was sent to Adamantios Korais in Paris the below proclamation to the Americans. Korais rushed into translating it and sending a translated copy  and the original to the famous American and friend of Greece Ed. Everett, professor of the ancient Greek literature at Harvard University, journalist and senator and governor of Massachusetts State. Everett published the letter translated in the American newspapers; the publication moved the enthusiasm of the American public opinion, which took part in the development of a wave of sympathies for the Greek struggle  in America. The Greek original text was published by the North American Review, October 1823 and from this publication we know the following.

Korais had delivered copies to the American Embassy in Paris to be forwarded to Washington but these were not found. The letter of Korais to Everett is dated  back to 27 June 1821, whereas the published text in the American newspapers of the proclamation in 25 May 1821. Already from this period, as soon as it was published by the American newspapers, doubts were expressed, concerning the originality, by some European newspapers, which implied that this was made up in Paris by Korais and his surrounding. Then, Korais rushed in publishing a certificate that the proclamation was really sent to him to him by Petrobeys in order to be forwarded to USA. Anyway, this text was not found in Greece and it is only known by the publication by Everett to whom it was sent by Korais. (see extensive reference on this subject at Ap. Daskalakis book Korais and the freedom of Greece, page. 470).

Proclamation to the Americans by the Messinian Senate of Kalamata and the commander in chief Petros Mavromihalis

Since we decided to live or die for freedom we turn to you because of sincere likeness; because freedom chose to live at your place, which is worshiped by you as it was worshipped by our fathers. For this reason, in her name, we turn to you having the belief that if we imitate you we will imitate our ancestors and be worthy to them if we become like you.

Your virtues, Americans, take us close to you, although we are separated by vast sea. We think of you of being closer than the neighbouring to us states and consider you to be our friends and brothers because you are righteous, benevolent and brave because you follow the gospel. Your freedom is not based on the slavery of other nations, nor your prosperity on foreign disasters and troubles; but on the contrary and, since you live happily, you wish all people to take part in these virtues and enjoy all the rights nature gave to everybody. You were the first to announce these rights and then again you were the first to respect them by giving rights to the poor Africans. According to your example, Europe stopped the inhuman and cruel procuring and is taught to be righteous and learns how to stop wrong and mortal habits. This glory, Americans, belongs only to you and puts you on top of all the known free nations to follow the law.

It’s your duty, men, to help us purify Greece from the barbarians who infected the nation for four hundred years. It would be worthy of you to pay the debt of the civilized people, to cast away tyranny from their country of arts and freedom. You don’t want to imitate the condemned indifference or long-lasting ungratefulness of some Europeans. No, the people of Gulielm Penn, Washington and Franklin doesn’t want to deny help to the ancestors of Fokionos, Thrasivoulos, Aratos, Filopoimenos. You have shown already to them honour and trust by sending your children to their schools. You know how they welcomed them with grace and good care. But if they did this being enslaved, imagine with how much friendship and ardour they want to treat you if with your help you break their chains? Hellas then, will give you profits which you would wait in vain from wild  and blind rulers. The bonds of brotherhood and gratefulness which will unit Greeks and Americans for ever. Our interests are such, so as to make stronger the alliance to each other based on freedom and virtue.

By the name of the Senate of Messinia in Kalamata

Petros Mavromihalis, commander in chief.

Location – History – Monuments: The Municipal Region of Doli includes the villages Ano Doli and Kato Doli, Kitries and Kalianeika. Taking the road of Kalamata – Mikri Mantinia – Avia – Kitries – Kalianeika brings you to Doli. The reddish, dry land impresses the traveller. There is lush vegetation in some places and little in others.

Also the small Byzantine churches, built between the 11th and 14th century are very impressive. Aghios Nikolaos is the oldest church in the area. Aghia Paraskevi church, which has a double dome, Prophetes Elias church, Aghia Triada church, the Monastery of Aghios Nikitas and Aghios Vasileios church  at the center of Kato Doli are magnificent examples of the Byzantine architecture.

The area of Doli has many Neolithic and Prehistoric findings. Particularly, at the cave which is situated at the North East of the mountain Aghios Georgios at the position KotoulasΣ Neolithic as well as Protohelladika (Pre-hellenic) fragments of pottery.

Kitries, the small fishing port used to be the basis of Mani Beides (local rulers).

Five out of the eight Beides had Kitries as their basis from time to time; it was here that the pre-Revolution meetings took place. On the 8th March 1821 there was an Assembly of the Mani leaders of warriors and local rulers (Prokriti) where the War Committee of the Revolution was elected. The Tower of  Sarava is predominant at Ano Doli.

Population – Occupation:  The Municipal Region of Doli numbers 375 residents (census of 1991).

The main occupation of the residents is agriculture (olive-picking), home cattle breeding and fishing.

Transport – Roads – Rural roads: Doli has one bus a day from and to Kalamata while Kalianeika has a bus once a week.

Kitries has five buses a day during winter but has more buses in summer due to tourism.

The main road goes through populated areas, has many turns and is narrow at many parts. The area has 80% rural roads and 50% of them are in satisfactory condition.

The port: The port of Kitries is small and certain works need to be done for the protection of the boats from storms during wintertime.

The Municipality hopes that the projects and studies for the protection and restoration of the port will be applied to solve one of the main problems of the area.

Sewage Biocleaning: Kitries have a beautiful beach that has to be kept clean. One of the prompt priorities of the Municipality of Avia is the processing of the sewage waste of seaside resorts.

Water supply: The lack of water during summer months is a serious problem. It can be solved with the joining of the water pipes with the water supply system of Kalamata.

Public places – Cemetaries: There is not enough parking space, particularly during summer months.

The Doli cemetery covers the needs of the village. Kitries cemetary, though, needs to be transferred to another place because it is situated at a densely populated, touristic area.

Olive-oil Cooperative: Doli Cooperative is one of the first Cooperatives in Greece. It numbers 180 farmers and its financial status is very good.

Education – Culture: There is a one-position Elementary school at Doli with 15 students.

There is a very active Cultural Association that tries to bring together its members. It organizes festivals and cares for the development of local enterprises.

A few days ago there was the official presentation of the Lykourgos CaveΣ at a Kalamata Hotel. The original decorations of its interior, with very beautiful white, pink and red stalagmites and stalactites make it one of the best in Greece.

We hope that its exploration will be over soon, so that its utilization will begin soon.

Antonis Roumaneas

Tzeria and Kalives, Xechori, Skardamoula / Prastion and Liasinova and the whole Saidona / Are situated at the apron of Far away Elias.                                                                                                                                                                                                               Nikitas Nifakis

Location – History – Monuments: The Municipal region of Exochori includes five villages; Chora, Kolymbetseika, Xechori, Pripitsa and Nikovo. It was called Androuvitsa until 1932. Since then it has been called Exochori, taking the name of the central village.

It is situated at a distance of eight kilometres from the main road Kardamyli – Areopolis at a height of 500 metres.

It was the shire town of the Diocese until 1833 when it became part of the Diocese and Kapetaneia of Kardamyli. Some of the Beides were Tzanis Koutifaris, Michael Troupakis, Panagiotis Bahlebas Troupakis, his son Michael Panagiotis who got the nickname Mourtzinos, Dionisios Troupakis Mourtzinos and Alexandros Kitriniaris.

It was also a shelter of Kleftes and Armatoli (fighters for the Revolution). It is here that Kapetan Zacharias gathers his troops and Theodoros Kolokotronis confers with the Kapetanei of Androuvitsa and Kardamyli as regards the organization of the Revolution of 1821.

The Religious feelings of the residents are expressed is evident through the many churches, more than a hundred. Some of them are in good condition, the rest have either been in ruins or have been completely destroyed by the decay or humans. Aghii Theodori Church was the Metropolitan Church. Aghios Nikolaos church is a stone church with interior marble built-in inscriptions and an ancient signed inscription on the Altar, which has been transferred to Benakeio Museum of Kalamata. It is of a great historical and archeological value.

Taxiarchis church, Aghia Sophia, Prophetes Elias church, Aghios Demetrios church, the church of Sotiros, the Assumption church are fine samples of Byzantine architecture and Art. The church of Sotiros belongs to the Mega Spileo Monastery. It is celebrated on 6th August. There is a manuscript of the Holy Testament, which is believed to be a manuscript of  Evangelist Lukas.

There are also many other notable preserved monuments of the 17th and 18th century. These are the Towers of Fasseas, Kitriniaris, Patriarcheas, Prokopeas, Zerveas and Kourtsounioti. These monuments consist a world treasure, cultural as well as natural inheritance. They need to be protected or else they will be lost forever within the next decades.

Population – Occupation: The Municipal region of Exochori numbers 394 residents (census 1991). Their basic occupation is agriculture (olive-picking) and home cattle breeding.

A few months ago a hotel was founded with the donation of Alexandra Tambourea. Its purpose is to be used as a tourist resort. The building works, though, proceed very slowly since the skeleton of the building has not finished. Such delay cannot be justified since the funds needed are available. We will be watching the proceedings of  the works and will deal with it again in a next issue, if necessary.

The Viros canyon, which starts from Taygetos and ends in Kardamyli, consists a rich in geomorphical elements  formation that create a magnificent scenery.

Transport – Roads – Rural roads: The transport to and from Kalamata takes place once a day by a long distance bus of KTEL Kalamata.

The road network is troublesome since no further improvement has taken place in recent years. The road has been destroyed in many places, while abrupt turns make driving dangerous. There are many holes on the ground that cause great trouble to drivers. There are not luminous little posts.

A few years ago a road joined Exochori with Kardamyli, by – passing Proastion. This road has almost been destroyed  because of the rainstorms.

The road Saidona – Exochori remains one of the promises of the Prefecture of Messinia. It is a sum due of 285.000.000 drs which cannot lapse. The rural roads need repairing, while new ones need to be cut.

Water supply: The area is irrigated by the  springs of Voidonitsa. The quantity of water produced, particularly during the summer months is considered insufficient. This is inexcusable, since there is the capacity of increasing the water supply from surface and underground sources.

Olive-oil cooperative: There is an olive-oil cooperative and an olive-oil mill. Its financial status is very good.

Culture – Sports: On the first fortnight of August many cultural events take place. Races, photo exhibitions, folklore and Byzantine icon exhibitions. The games of tavli (backgammon), Mora  and chess are part of the  fair events  of 15th August.

The historical – Folklore Museum has a permanent cultural presence in the area. The Cultural Association TaygetosΣ shows  remarkable work along with the Cultural Association of Exochori people living in Athens.

We are finishing our article reminding you of the 60.000.000 drs owed to Exochori people for the utilization of  Viros Canyon.

Antonis Roumaneas

LOCATION, HISTORY AND MONUMENTS

The settlement of Kitries belongs to the Municipal district of Doli, Municipality of Avia, and it is at a distance of about 15 km from Kalamata.

It is a coastal settlement with a fantastic beach  and lush vegetation. It was the seaport of Zarnata and base of the Beys of Mani. Five of the eight Beydes of Mani used Kitries at fixed intervals, as their base. Tzanetbeys Koutipharis, 1st Bey of Mani, 1776 – 1779 ( with his fortified palace placed at Skala of Kitries), Mihalbeys Troupakis, Panagiot-beys Koumountourakis, Antonbeys Grigorakis and Petrobeys Mav-romihalis. The church of Agios Konstantinos and Eleni, recently restored, is connected to all the events and situations of the old times. The consecration took place there of the four irregular bishops of Mani from the Metropolite  of Zarnata, Gavriil Fragouli for the episcopacy : Anthimo for the episcopacy of Platsa, Ioannikia for the episcopacy of Milea and Kastania, Losif for the episcopacy of Mainis and Prokopio for the episcopacy of Andouvista. Kitries was the place of the pre-revolution discussions and decisions. The National Contract was signed there on March 8th, 1821, with Petrobei, who undertook the leadership of the combat as a result of the decisions of the assembled chieftains and elder Maniates.

POPULATION & OCCUPATIONS

There are about 110 residents in the settlement according to the last census of March 18th , 2001. Their main occupation is fishing because the sea in this area is rich in fish. Olive tree culture is the main seasonal occupation.

ROAD CONSTRUCTION: RU-RAL ROADS

The central road connecting the area to Kalamata passes through built-up areas and in several places it is dangerous because there are many bends and it is very narrow. In the next few weeks a part of the road will be improved with an appropriation of  73.000.000dr. from the European Community subvention programme. The anticipated works are road-widening , technical works and tarmac. There are few rural roads giving access to the farms ; the condition of these will be improved and new ones are anticipated.

THE PORT

The port is not big enough for all the boats. They are planning to enlarge and strengthen it  for the protection of the fishing boats so that they will have a safe refuge during the winter storms.

WATER SUPPLY

The region receives drinking water from the springs of Pidima. The Water Supply Association of Kalamata  and the other Municipalities is planning the construction of a bigger cistern and the renovation of the system in the near future. After this work is finished there will not be a deficiency of water, especially in the summer time.

PUBLIC PLACES – CEMETERY There are only a few puplic places. All the residents want the cemetery moved to a place well away from the houses.

Kitries is an under-developed region needing  good, integrated planning to confront its problems. The special characteristics of the region must be carefully retained, though.

We want to thank Mr Avrami Evangelo and Mr Giannea Ilia – Presidents of the Local Council of the Municipal Department of Avia and Doli – for the information  provided.

ANTONIS ROUMANEAS

We continue our itinerary to the ProsiliakiΣ Sunny Inner Mani and the Municipal District of Kotronas, Municipality of Eastern Mani. Today, Loukadika is well known for its  narrow central road, through the village, and its dangerous bends (this is the reason why big buses, lorries, tourists, etc. avoid Eastern Mani!), so  only a few people  can come to see its history .

Loukadika, built on the hill, dominates the villages of the region. It is a real traditional jewel of a village, well situated and with a marvellous view. This place, in olden days, was the citadel of the ancient Tathronis, the famous town of the Freelacons (Eleftherolakonon) and the continuity of  its history can be seen with the subsequent Byzantine castle-fortresses. One can make a tour of the abandoned ruins of the castle, steeped in lingering memories of its heroic past, now lying neglected by indifference; the ancient walls left from the Byzantine fortifications, the ruined fighting tower of Gola, the foundations and remains of the old buildings… surely these deserve not only our admiration, but also the will to preserve them for the future. They are important treasures of our country.

In Loukadika, as in the most of the villages  of Mani, you can easily find the large foundations of the commodious houses and buildings of previous generations. Nowadays, new houses are constructed on these bases and the traditional tower houses still adorn the village showing that the village has been continuously inhabited.

There are many churches in Loukadika. First of all, the church of Saint Georgios the Knight, built close by the castle, a bulwark against storms and always protecting the village. On the east side, Panagia Spilaiotisa, in ruins, is inside a natural cave. At the end of this cave there is a tunnel which ends at Tathroni. We must also mention the Panagia of the RougaΣ

(Virgin of the Alley), Agio Theodoro – where, in pre-Christian times, some villagers were first stoned and then walled-up! On the north side of the village there is a ruined dry-stone wall where the church ofAgios Nikon lies, disused and forgotten for years and years.  They say that in this place, Loukadiotes  met the missionary who was responsible for the conversion of Mani to Christianity, 1000 years ago, and this country church is dedicated to his memory.

Ending with the final monument of the village, we must mention the ΤtreeΣ of Ai – Lia, the evergreen oak tree, where they say, under its shadow the fighters of the Eastern Mani, Tathronis and Lagias, met before going against the dynasty.

Loudika is the origin of Kanavos, a famous fighter against the Turks, renowned for war exploits and bravery at sea. The first targets were the ships under the Turkish banner.

Loukadika are also known from the poem of Nikita Nifaki (1800)….

Loukadika and Kabalos, Himara and Skoutari,  all these, among the other villages, bright like the moon…

We  are not sure of  the etymology of the village name.  We meet the name in the chronicle of St. Magno in 1463, in a document of 1618 it is mentioned as a castle-settlement, and  in  about 1700, it is called as  Loukades villageΣ.

There are only a few residents in Loukadika today (about 30). Their main occupation is cattle breeding and olive tree culture. During the summer they have much more  work because many people who originate from here come back to their village. There is an active Association in Athens. This is the motherland of the well known philologist, historian and writer, Sarantos Kargakos.

The water supply of the village is from  a  bore-hole  at Kotronas, and there is a water shortage during the summer.

Loukadika has always waited for state and local authority interest to develop in its cultural heritage, especially in the preservation of its archaeological remains. It will be useful to have the by-pass road which will help a lot the residents in Eastern Mani and its visitors.  There must also be construction planning for the area, to keep the characteristics of the region, the stone construction of the traditional houses which make this village special.

(This special text  is based on information taken from the Calendar of the Association of Loukadioton, 1989 – text Dim. K. Manolakos)

G.P. Dimakogiannis

Haravgi, 17km from Kalamata, is a mountainous settlement, which belongs to the Municipal District of Sotirianika. It is one of the oldest villages of the Municipality of Avia. During its peak there were 350 inhabitants, but by the time of the 1991 census the number of residents who registered was just 63.

As there are no fertile plains in this area, the main occupations of the few inhabitants are  olive tree growing, cattle breeding and the construction business.

At a prominent place in the settlement there is the impressive fortress of the Kapetanakides family inside which is the Chapel of Prophet Ilias. Unfortunately,  the buildings are badly damaged, but  all the necessary proceedings have been made by the Archeological Service for its restoration. However, due to the prevailing bureaucracy, no start has been made on the restoration work. Through this newspaper,  the Cultural Association of Haravgi would like to appeal to everyone who has the means, to press for  action on this  project –  if only even to allow   the restoration of the roof, which is in danger of falling down (it is the Association which will cover the restoration costs!).

Opposite the fortress, there is another castle named Vardia (watch tower), which is fenced and which is not accessible to visitors.  Both of the fortresses were built at some  distance from the seaside  far below  and became  obse-rvation posts for invasions by pirates.  From them the residents would be alerted of any attack giving them time and to take  refuge amongst the precipitious mountain cliffs. Outside the castle, there is the grave of Kapetanakis.

The region is supplied with water from the springs of Kentro and Altomira. However, the  drain is still uncovered and it is dangerous. There is a serious problem with the transferring of the local  cemetery to another place far from the village. There is land, which belongs to the church which could be used for this purpose.

There is a road plan which reduces  the distance to Kalamata by about 2.5 km. The road begins at Haravgi and ends at Aloi-moneika. There is no transport, however, because the road is too narrow. There is another road scheme  for  Haravgi – Sotirianika – Kentro. The residents consider that this road is of  great importance as it will prevent the settlement from being so isolated and it will help the development of the mountainous area.  The work started in 1990  but since then   only 1500 m of road has been opened.

The rural roads are satisfactory. There is an important cobbled road that gives acess to Agios Nikolaos Church. Half  of it is in  good condition, but the  rest needs to be repaired. There is no signpost, so the village can only be discovered  by luck.

An important event is the village fete, organized by the Cultural Association of Haravgi, Agios Nikolaos, which takes place on the second Sunday of the Carnival. Many of participants come to the village from every part of Greece. In the olden days, the villagers wore disguises and used to make big fires. Now there is still a popular festival with folk dances and songs.  Whilst there are other village festivals, this is the main fete of the region.  It was held at the central place of the village until 1992. In 1993 the Association acquired a building with an area of 230 square metres so since then this has been the location  of the fete. The land for the building was donated by Mr. Ioannis Panagiotou Mitseas and the membersΥ subscriptions and other donations covered the construction and furnishing costs of the building.

The Association was established in 1992, and its activities increase year by year. The aim of the Association is to enhance the cultural level of the locality  and to strengthen ties between the members.

We would like to thank Mr. Stelios Mitseas, President of the Cultural Association Agios Niko-laos HaravgisΣ for the information he has given us.

Antonios Roumaneas

Location-History – Monu-ments:  Flomohory belongs to the Inner Mani,  municipal district of Kotronas, East  Mani. ItΥs one of the most beautiful and traditional villages of Mani.  Its long history and  legends are given by the high towers and the tower – houses which dominate the village. A characteristic, which concerns all the villages of the Inner Mani, is the presence of are more towers than churches. In the central place of  Flomoxori there is the grandiose church of Agias Triados (Trinity), (inau-gurated in 1933).

Apart the traditional towers of the families which dominated the region,  there are many ancient churches  in Flomohori, (as Agii Asomati, 13th century) -unique monuments of the Byzantine period. It have also been discovered ruins of a basilica dated from the old-Christian period.  Many of those churches and some other towers are completely abandoned to the decay of time, surrendered in desertion. The churches which take a special place in the village life until our days are: Panagia, close to the village s cemetery (fete on August 15th), Taxiarhis (November 8th), Agios Spyridon (December 12th), Agios Ioannis settlement of Vata ( January 7th), AnalipsiΣ (Ascension) settlement of Zouda, Agia Paraskevi, settlement of Halikia (July 26) etc. There are also two churches in Flomoxori both dedicated to Agios Georgios one up to the mountain Makrynaros (Dimakogiannis – Lekkakou Families)   and  the other is in the village (Georgakakou family).

POPULATION-OCCUPATION: There are about 250 residents in the village (including the small settlements of Zouda, Halikia and Vata ). During the summer   this number may be 1000!. Their main occupation is cattle-breeding and olive cultivation –   a few ones are fishermen. Near Flomohori there is a very beautiful beach with pebbles, to the settlement Xalkia. The access becomes by an asphalted road and the summer is full of people.

TRANSPORT – ROAD CONS-TRUCTION – RURLA ROADS: Flomoxori is connected with the village around with roads in a good condition, but there isnt  the double indicating line   and the  traffic lights is insufficient – to many abrupt turns there arent protective  bars. For the transport, there are buses twice a day to Areopoli   (one in the morning and one in the afternoon). There  are many rural roads which  contribute to the development of olive tree cultivation, but it has to be always subsistence.

WATER SUPPLY:  Flomoxori receive drinkable water from an older drilling  (which have been done near the village) – for the other needs there is a water supply   net work,  from a drilling in the nearest area called Kotrona.   Mainly in August there are many serious problems of watering (because of the increase of the consumption, etc.)- for this reason, they all have well conserved their water-tank.

CULTURE AND DEVELOPMENT:  Though Flomohori had all the preconditions, finally it did not become the seat of the new municipal district. However, there is a very active association (resided in Aigaleo – Athens) – and after a continuous effort, they succeeded to associate all the people who come from this village and they have offered an important work to the village.  Many small and big work we mentioned above has been done thanks to this association! The Cultural Centre of thw village will be finished in a short time. It is  a big two storied, stony building – which will be an ornament for the village. There also a cultural centre which belongs to the church. The association orga-nizes annually a   ball in Athens and a traditional feast on 15 August assembling many people from the area.

The association organizing every year a dance in Athens and a traditional feast in the village on August 15  and thousands of people who are friends from all the area are coming together.

There is also an infant school and a 3 teachers school in Flomohori.

The area is developing quickly, but it is very important that the new houses and the restorations of the old buildings, to be by the traditional way, with stone, and   not spoilt the most beautiful traditional village of Mani.

G.P.DIMAKOGIANNIS

The Municipal Depar-tment of Kryoneri, Municipality of Oitylo, consists from the settlements Kato Karea (Balavista) and Kryo-neri since 1996 untill 1998 when it was jointed to the com-munities of Oitylo, Germa, Karea and Neo Oitylo. So we have the (small) Municipality of Oitylo which jointed the (big) Municipality of Oitylo.

Kryoneri is built at the foot of a hill, surrounded by plane trees and springs with fresh water. There are 200 inhabitants in the department and the main occupation is the culture of olive tree as well as the domestic cattle breeding.

It is only 4 kilometers far from Oitylo and it belongs to the Aposkieri Mani (shady Mani), in the central strategic area with the old and important centres of Oitylo and of Kelefas, facing the Mylolagados  seaside. This bright green dale traverse the inland area with the picturesque villages Karea, Kryo-neri, Germa and the Convent of Tsigos, ends at the safe bay of Oitylo, the main and important port of the peninsula through the centuries.

The small fields and the houses made of stone are raised around the church of Prophet Ilias and the church of Virgin Mary composing the village centre. The authenticity of the landscape, combined with the historical tradition of the area reveal one more precious view of the dominion of Mani.

The most important problem is the watering of the village especially during the summer. Recently, a drilling has been done near the bridge. As it was unfit to drink they did not continue to develop it. Another drilling realized by Mr. Tsapatsari Kon., ex Secretary of the Community, proved that there are sufficient quantities of water, and after the chemical analysis they can make use of it.

The rural road con-struction is good enou-gh, and after certain improvements of main-taining, it will be safer. The road that leads to Georgokaraka needs to be covered with a new asphalt covering, because the damages at the edge of the road make it very dange-rous. There is a transport service to Gythion twice a day (in the morning and in the midday) by the buses of the Prefecture of Lakonia, during the school year. The rest of the year it is related to Gythion only once a day. As it belongs to the mountain region there must be done a strong, joint and continuous effort to achieve the resolution of the problems and so to keep a part of the young people of the region in place.

Antonis Roumaneas

History – Monuments

It is a prehestoric settlement with neolithic findings at the location Svina (Platanos in Thalames). Stone spades, tools and pseudomorphic Mycenean urns have been spotted. It be-longed to the Koino of Lakedemonion, that is the Society of Lakedemonii and the Koino of Eleftherolakonon  that is the So-ciety of Eleftherolakones.

It constituted a remarkable center of the Ancient times with temples, bronze statues, a holy spring and an oracle that used dreams to give its prophecies and attracted a multitude of people to it.

The Spartian curators came to this oracle and slept in the temple of Pasifai, who gave them dreams with the most suitable solutions to the matters of the State.

Built-in ancient stones can be still located at the spring at the center of modern Thalames. Next to the spring there is also an inscribed base that belonged to the statue of the Roman Caesar Markus Aurelius Antoninos the venerable.

At the west side of the village there is the Holy Temple of St. Vasileios of the 12th century with many notable wallpaintings. You can also see the Church of St. Ioannis (19th century) with imposing architecture, St. Nikolaos Church , the Metamorphosis

of Sotiros Church along with many other Byzantine and Post-Byzantine which impress visitors.

The house of Levi, the Stavrianeas Tower and the Gennimatas Tower are among the oldest residences that present distinctive cha-racteristics of architectural interest.

Furthermore, there is a private laographic (folklore) Museum in the area.

A few months ago the restoration works of the St. George square finished, while the exterior stone decoration is still pending.

On the 7th issue of October 1999, Maniatiki Allilegii published the com-plaint letter of  the designer architect M.Orfanos conce-rning the omissions – declinations of the approved study.

Now the denouncing writer of the letter becomes justified since even the most ignorant can see for himself the imbalance bet-ween the used materials and the surrounding area. Who is responsible for the deviations and declina-tions?

TranslatorΥs note: Pasifai was believed to be the Goddess of the Moon (Selini).

Population

The Municipality region of Thalames along with the settlement Somatiana belongs to the Municipality of Lefktro. It numbers 196 re-sidents (census of 1991) and the basic occupation of the residents is olivepicking and home livestock breeding. There is also one professional goat livestock unit.

Transport – Roads

Transport in the area takes place with KTEL long-distance buses to and from Kalamata four times a day.

Roads are not at their best condition. Due to the oncoming olivepicking period they ought to be cleaned and laid with gravel. In certain parts bushes and wadding render the pas-sage of pedestrians and machinery unapproachable.

Another serious problem is the provincial road  Kala-mataAreopolis that passes through the center of the village. Its narrowness in connection with its many turnings make it dangerous.

A new tracing of the road is needed even though this does not seem feasible at the moment.

The water system

The water supply comes from the Viros springs. It is so limited though that the residents suffer from serious water shortage during summer months.

The cemetery

The existing cemetery is considered to be too small and its extension is necessary. Its maintenance and cleaning from useless stuff would give the place a different dimension.

The olive-oil cooperative

An olive-oil cooperative has a factory at the municipality region of Nomitsi. It numbers 75-80 farmers and covers the wider area.

The municipality region of Thalames has been characterized as a traditional settlement by the Ministry of Culture and therefore it can be financed for the restoration of squares and other public areas.

The previous local authority assigned the designing of certain proposal drawings to designer offices, such as the joining of St. George square, the tidying up of the Platanos square, the extension and expansion of the cemetery and the surrounding area, the preservation and transformation of the old Elementary school into a museum. (Its present condition is unacceptable since its roof , the doors and the windows need to be replaced).

What does the Municipality intend to do on the matter? Is is it going to make use of these proposals or is it going to miss another opportunity?

Antonis Roumaneas

The Municipality region of Kambos lies on the 20th km of the provincial road Kalamata – Areopolis and is the capital of the Municipality of Avia.

History – Monuments.

According to the evidence of the Ancient Greek writer Pafsanias, a re-markable civilization flouri-shed there with notable findings that were spotted in the later centuries.

Gerenia was believed to be at the hill of Zarnata where plenty of relics of the historical times were found at the pro-Christian founda-tions of the Medieval castle.

Considerable monume-nts appear at different parts of Kambos. The holy temple of St. Ioannis the Prodromos (13th century), the St. Theodori (12th century), the monastery of  Evangelistria and the church of Aghia Varvara that was built at the beginning of the previous century and is the central church of the village.

The Koumoundouros To-wer comes into sight at Ga-rbellia while a Mycenean vaulted tomb lies next to it. Currently the proposal on the restoration of the Tower and the nearby arche-ological area is being completed.

Population – Occupation

The Municipality region of  Kambos numbers 644 re-sidents (1991 census ) of all ages  having olive-picking   and live-stock breeding (home and professional) as a main occupation, while a number of them works seasonally at different bu-sinesses of Kalamata (packing dried figs and as auxiliary staff in tourism enterprises).

The main products of the area are olive-oil, cheese and meat.

The water system

The area is being provided with water from the Rintomo springs but the quantity of the water is considered to be in-sufficient. There is a wor-sening of the problem during the summer months. The Municipality of Avia puts forth joint moves in order to face this problem.

Transport – Roads – Road construction

Transport  to and from Kalamata takes place 4-5 times daily by the long distance KTEL buses.

The existing pre-war con-structed road that connects the area with Kalamata is considered insufficient and dangerous not only because of its narrowness but also of its many turns.

Farming roads are con-sidered to be sufficient. Still, some parts need to be cleaned from bushes and wadding.

Furthermore, the repair of the road system due to the damages caused by the re-cent rainstorms is absolutely essential.

Common areas – Cemetery

The grave yard is consi-dered small, its extension is necessary along with  the arrangement of its interior space.

Health

A health center operates and covers the wider area. Its upgrading is imperative so that it can provide satisfactory medical care at first level. The existing vacancies of doctors at certain periods should be eliminated.

Education – Culture

The State Nursing School does not function satis-factorily. There is only one nu-rsery teacher for 30-40 children. Parents have to take their children from school at 1 p.m, leaving their farming works unfi-nished.

The primary school now fu-nctions as a whole-day school while there have been several attempts for the school to be upgraded to 6 classes along with the construction of  new extra classrooms and school staff offices.

The High school oper-ation is regarded satisfa-ctory.

The Cultural Association of Kambos Machaon contributes a great deal towards the advancement of the cultural and spiritual level of the residents.

It would be a great omission of ours not to refer to the donation of 2.500 books by the Greek Philology teacher Nikolaos Giannukopoulos, which probably lie piled up in a warehouse.

Antonis Roumaneas