The
Roman colony Fotiki stands on the today’s region of St. Donatos
(Sametia), and was established in 167 BC. There, was found the sarcophagus of
Pirus, the King of Epirus. You can see the sarcophagus within the Ioannina’s
museum.
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There
are also other cities, as Nikopolis, built during Roman period.
There was a movement of population from the surrounding region to new
built Thesprotian cities. The
exact placement of Fotiki (Liboni), was revealed by 2 inscriptions. The
first one referred the Roman commander Pompeeo Sabino, and was found in
1890. Is written in Latin and was dated at the end of the 3rd
century BC. In 1906 was found the second inscription, written in Greek.
It’s content is about citizens’ of Fotiki decisions. |
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There
are some Latin inscriptions from 2nd and 3rd
century, when the local Parliament of Fotiki was active, meanwhile it
seams that the city was active also during the period after. The city
was named after Fotios, the leader of Chanons. It
was
also
the
bishop’s
quarters.
Because
the uncertain times, the population was moved to the castle of St.
Donatos (built by Ioustinianos). In the area were found, besides the
Latin inscriptions, some other ancient findings testimonial of a great
cultural activity. Today, all findings are kept in the museum of Epirus,
and in other museums abroad. Fotiki became Christian during 1st
century. There was involvement in world and local meetings. Although the
raids of different nations (Serbians, Bulgarians, Francs, Albanians
etc), Epirus didn’t change its national composition. After Christian
religion spread in the area, some cities were used as bishop’s
quarters (Nikopolis, Dryinoupolis, Fotiki, Apollonia etc) |
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The
Greek tradition was so strong, that when the Byzantine Empire was
concurred by Crusaders, the Komninos family established the famous
Despotato of Epirus. After Byzantine Empire fall, the Despotato remained
independent during the next 2 centuries, maintaining the Greek Byzantine
traditions. Its influence helped the entire Greek nation during the
Turkish domination. The old greatness came back when Ioustinianos built
the castle, afterwards named the castle of St. Donatos. In 1796, at
Liboni of Paramythia (the ancient Fotiki), were found 21 bronze
sculptures made by the Lissipos School (3rd century BC).
Today, we can see these sculptures in several museums in London, Russia
and Constantinople.
During
the Turkish domination, at Liboni were found ancient graves and
inscriptions. |
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In
1906 the archaeolog and doctor in Paramythia, Dimitrios Mexis, with his origin
from Labovo of Northern Epirus, discover 1 inscription which had the text:
“Meeting of people of
Fotiki”.
Despite the movements of population, from Romans and others, the traditions, the
language, the writing and the Greek culture remained, and the newcomers embraced
them. During the Byzantine ages, the 6th century, Ioustinianos built
new houses, temples, and, for the safety of the region, in front of the city and
before the mountain Koryla, a great and solid castle honoring the city’s
Protector St. Donatos. In 925 Fotiki became the headquarters of Epirus’
commandment. All Epirus took the name of Fotiki. The most famous bishops are
Ioannis, his son, Illarios, Florentios and Emmanuil.
Among
the most known temples are: the temple of St. Foteini, the temple of Panagia
the Lady, the temple of Panagia the Labovithra, the cathedral Kontina, the
Palaiokklisi, the temple of St. Vasileios, St. Athanasios and St. Donatos of
Fotiki.
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