Patras today
Patras is the largest city in the Peloponnese and the third largest in Greece with a population of 167,446 inhabitants, according to the official census of 2011. Patras is the capital of the Prefecture of Achaia, in the Region of Western Greece. It is the largest economic, commercial and cultural center of the Peloponnese and western Greece and has one of the largest ports in the country with the highest traffic to western Europe.
History
The core of Ancient Patras was Aroi which later was expanded and after was fortified by Patreus the Achaean from Sparta. In 146 BC. Patras submits to Rome. Its strategic position, coastally covered by Mount Panachaikos, a short distance from the coast of Aitoloakarnania prefecture, very close to the Ionian Islands and on the road to Italy, made the emperor Augustus distinguish its privileged and topical position and took care to settle several Romans.
Since then, Roman emperors such as Tiberius, Nero and Hadrian, as well as others, helped by giving privileges to Patras, which quickly changed into a city of high aesthetics and interest. During the 2nd century AD. Patras is at its greatest peak. During the leadership of Nero, the Apostle Andrew transforms it into a field of conflict of religious battles until the final spread and prevalence of Christianity.
During the Byzantine period after the attempt to be occupied by Slavs and Avars the city developed commercially until 1205 where it was occupied by the Franks and followed in 1458 by the Ottomans.
In an attempt at a series of uprisings, the city was almost destroyed by 1867, when it was occupied by the Venetians along with almost the entire Peloponnese. On March 25, 1821 in Patras the Greek Revolution is proclaimed by the Palaion Patron Germanos. In 1828 it was liberated by General Maizon with French troops and handed over to the newly formed Greek Government.
The modern city was founded by Kapodistrias in the ruins of the ancient. To date, it has relied on a long industrial tradition with several companies focusing on exports. The existence of an Industrial Zone and a Craft Park stimulated the economy even today and at the same time the operation of Research Departments at the University of Patras and the University of Peloponnese offer even more to the quality of life of the local community.
Check here an album with many photos and an archive from old Patras.
