Zakynthos is an island with a rich past, inhabited since Neolithic times, as evidenced by findings in the bay of Laganas. According to Pliny the Elder, it was known as “Hyria” before 3000 BC. Near the island’s castle, marble sculptures of deities such as Apollo, Artemis, and Aphrodite were discovered—signs of the locals’ strong connection to music and religious devotion.

The island owes its current name to the mythical Zakynthos, son of Trojan king Dardanus, who arrived from Arcadian Psophis around 1500 BC and gave the island its name. His descendants built a flourishing culture and established colonies in Crete, Spain, and elsewhere. Homer referred to Zakynthos as “wooded” (in Greek, hylieessa), highlighting its lush greenery.

Thanks to its fertile land and strategic location, the island thrived economically and culturally from the 6th century BC. It minted silver coins bearing the sacred tripod of Apollo, later replaced by the lyre. Zakynthos enjoyed democratic governance until joining the Athenian alliance, after which it fell under Spartan control, shifting to an oligarchic regime. During Roman rule, it became part of the province of Achaea, and by 34 AD, Christianity began spreading—possibly through Mary Magdalene or Saint Beatrice, according to tradition.

In the Byzantine era, the island was often left unprotected and suffered pirate raids. During the Crusades, it changed hands multiple times—first to the Orsini, then the Angevins, and later the Florentine Tocco family. In 1485, it came under Venetian control. The Venetians brought stability and cultural growth. Society was divided into nobles (nobili), bourgeois (civili), and commoners (poporali), but only nobles had political rights.

In 1797, Zakynthos welcomed the arrival of French Republicans with great enthusiasm, celebrating by burning the Libro d’Oro in Saint Mark’s Square. Shortly after, the Russo-Turkish fleet took over, leading to the creation of the Septinsular Republic in 1800—the first modern Greek independent state, lasting until 1807. The French returned briefly, followed by the British in 1809. British rule lasted until May 21, 1864, when the Ionian Islands were officially united with Greece.

During World War II, Zakynthos was occupied first by the Italians, then the Germans. In 1953, a devastating earthquake followed by fire nearly destroyed the town. Despite the losses, the island was rebuilt under strict anti-seismic standards, preserving traces of its historic character.