Mani

Καρδαμύλη, Δυτική Μάνη, Μεσσηνία.
Kardamyli, West Mani, Messenia – Greece.

The towers of Mani are military hallmarks of a glorious era. The first fortification towers appear in the 13th century and they are an expression of the fighting spirit of the region.

The main reason for the imperative need of fortifying with a tower was the segregation of Mani society into clans or families. The building of the family tower was the great dream and final goal of the men of Mani and the common obligation of all the male members of the clan. The tower was the bastion of freedom but also the fort of the warring parties in the terrible Mani feuds. Everyone was assured of a safe refuge in the tower and the fighters of the family successfully defended themselves in times of vendetta. Mani is home of the Maniots (Maniátes in Greek). The Maniots hold themselves to be the direct descendants of the Spartans and through the Spartans the Dorians.


[ FujiFilm FinePix HS10 ]

© 2012 Jordan Kevrekidis

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