Ancient Aegina, a thriving maritime power in antiquity, was once a significant player in Greek history, especially during the Archaic and Classical periods. Its archaeological sites, such as the Temple of Aphaia and the Temple of Apollo, along with the remnants of its acropolis and ancient settlements, offer a window into the island’s development and cultural achievements. Aegina’s strategic position in the Saronic Gulf contributed to its role as a key naval force, and its wealth and influence were reflected in its impressive architecture and artistic contributions. Through ongoing excavation and research, scholars continue to uncover the layers of Aegina’s rich history, tracing its evolution from a Bronze Age settlement to a powerful city-state in classical Greece.

circa 3000 BCE- 1900 CE

Prehistoric Period (3rd Millennium BCE)
Aegina's history begins in the early Bronze Age, with settlements such as Kolonna, a fortified site that became a regional hub for trade and culture. Its strategic location in the Saronic Gulf facilitated maritime commerce, linking the island to the Cyclades, Crete, and the mainland. Archaeological evidence reveals sophisticated urban planning and vibrant cultural exchanges during this period.

Archaic Period (700–480 BCE)
Aegina flourished as a major maritime and commercial power in the Archaic period. It was among the first Greek city-states to mint silver coins, known as "Aeginetan turtles," which became a standard currency in the Aegean. The island's wealth and influence were also reflected in the construction of monumental temples, such as the Temple of Aphaia, and its rivalry with Athens began to intensify during this time.

Classical Period (480–323 BCE)
Aegina played a crucial role in the Persian Wars, contributing ships to the Greek fleet at the Battle of Salamis (480 BCE). However, its rivalry with Athens led to its decline when Athens defeated Aegina and forced its population into exile during the Peloponnesian War (431 BCE). Athenian settlers replaced the displaced Aeginetans, marking the end of Aegina's political and economic dominance.

Hellenistic Period (323–30 BCE)
Under Macedonian and later Roman influence, Aegina became a quieter provincial town. Although its earlier prominence waned, it remained an important cultural and religious site, with sanctuaries such as the Temple of Aphaia still attracting visitors. The island's economy shifted from maritime trade to local agriculture and crafts.

Roman and Late Antiquity (30 BCE–6th Century CE)
Aegina integrated into the Roman Empire, benefiting from the Pax Romana. During Late Antiquity, the island retained its population but faced challenges from pirate raids and economic decline. Christianity spread during this period, and the island saw the construction of early Byzantine churches.

Byzantine Period (6th–12th Century CE)
During the Byzantine era, Aegina remained inhabited but experienced gradual decline. Pirate raids, particularly by Arabs in the 9th and 10th centuries, forced much of the population to relocate from coastal areas to more secure inland settlements. Despite these challenges, Aegina retained its religious importance, with several Byzantine churches and monasteries established, reflecting the island's Christian heritage.

Venetian and Frankish Rule (13th–15th Century CE)
Following the Fourth Crusade (1204), Aegina came under the control of the Venetians and later the Frankish Duchy of Athens. During this period, the island became a minor outpost within the larger Aegean trade network. Venetian sailors named the ancient acropolis "Colona" due to its surviving column from the Temple of Apollo, which served as a landmark. However, Aegina's economy and population remained modest compared to its ancient peak.

Ottoman Period (15th–19th Century CE)
Aegina fell under Ottoman rule in the mid-15th century. Life under Ottoman domination was marked by poverty and frequent pirate attacks, which further hindered development. The island saw periodic revolts and brief intervals of Venetian control, particularly during the Morean War (1684–1699), but its overall prosperity diminished. By the late Ottoman period, Aegina was largely a subsistence economy with a dwindling population.

Greek War of Independence (1821–1829)
Aegina played a significant role in the Greek War of Independence, providing ships and resources to the revolutionary forces. Following the liberation of Greece, Aegina briefly served as the first capital of the newly independent Greek state in 1828, under Governor Ioannis Kapodistrias. This brought a brief resurgence in political importance and infrastructure development, including the construction of government buildings and schools.

Modern Period (19th Century–Present)
After the capital moved to Nafplio and later Athens, Aegina reverted to being a quiet provincial town. In the 20th century, it became a popular destination for tourists and artists, drawn by its archaeological sites, picturesque landscapes, and proximity to Athens. Today, Aegina thrives as a cultural and historical hub, with a blend of ancient heritage and modern amenities attracting visitors from around the world.

circa 700 BCE

Acropolis
The Acropolis of Aegina, known locally as Colona, is located to the north of the town of Aegina. This site combines historical, archaeological, and mythological significance, featuring a sanctuary of Apollo and remnants of a Byzantine settlement. The name "Colona" originates from Venetian sailors who used the remaining columns of the Doric Temple of Apollo as navigational markers. Today, the foundations and a single standing column from the rear of the temple are preserved, offering a glimpse into the site's grandeur. The temple, constructed in a 6x11 column layout, along with related sanctuary structures, dominates the ancient acropolis atop the hill. Built at the end of the 6th century BCE, the temple reflects the period when Aegina was emerging as a significant commercial power, rivaling Athens. Excavations starting in the 19th century revealed that the architectural remains of the Archaic to Hellenistic acropolis are layered atop even older, prehistoric structures. At least ten successive building phases attest to the site's long-standing importance throughout history.

circa 600 BCE

Temple of Aphaia
The Temple of Aphaia, situated on a 160-meter peak on the eastern side of Aegina Island in the Saronic Gulf, is one of the most significant ancient Greek sanctuaries dedicated to the goddess Aphaia, a deity worshipped exclusively at this site. Initially identified as the Temple of Jupiter Panhellenius, it was later recognized as a Doric temple built circa 500 BCE, replacing an earlier structure destroyed by fire around 510 BCE. Archaeological evidence suggests a long and continuous history of worship at the site, potentially extending back to the 14th century BCE, as indicated by Late Bronze Age artifacts, including a notable abundance of female figurines (kourotrophoi), hinting at a possible Minoan connection to the cult.

The existing temple is architecturally significant for its unusual plan and its pedimental sculptures, which reflect the stylistic evolution from Archaic to Early Classical artistry. These sculptures, among the finest of their era, depict mythological scenes and are displayed in the Glyptothek in Munich, with additional fragments preserved in local museums on Aegina and at the site itself. The temple's commanding location and enduring significance have made it a focal point for scholarly research and a source of inspiration for Neoclassical and Romantic artists, including J. M. W. Turner.

circa 600 BCE

Temple of Apollo
The Temple of Apollo, located on a small hill north of Aegina Town, is a landmark visible upon arrival at the port. Known locally as "Kolona" (column), the temple derives its name from the solitary column that survives from this ancient Doric structure, which dates to the 6th century BCE—predating the Parthenon in Athens. Historically, the hill of Kolona was a center of significant activity, serving as the island's acropolis during the 7th century BCE and housing a prehistoric settlement dating back to the Late Neolithic Period. Remains of dwellings from this era are still visible today. The temple originally featured a layout of 11 columns on its longer sides and six on its shorter ends, with additional structures, including a gateway and small rectangular buildings, to its south. To its north, an ancient cemetery was uncovered, yielding golden jewelry now housed in the British Museum. In later centuries, the temple's prominence waned. Following an imperial decree in 381 CE, the temple was dismantled, and its materials repurposed for fortifications and the construction of piers. Despite its ruined state, the Temple of Apollo remains a significant archaeological site, accessible through the gate of the Archaeological Museum, offering visitors a glimpse into Aegina's ancient history.

circa 400 BCE

Temple of Zeus Hellanios
The Temple of Zeus Hellanios, located on Mount Hellanion, the highest peak on the island of Aegina, was an exceptional site of ancient cultic-worship. Its origins are steeped in mythology and environmental necessity. According to tradition, the temple was erected by Aiakos, son of Zeus and king of Aegina, after consulting the oracle at Delphi during a severe drought. The oracle advised Aiakos to plead with Zeus for rain, and upon receiving divine favor, he constructed the temple to honor the god. Archaeological research suggests that traces of this cult date back to the first millennium BCE and persisted into the early centuries CE, making it one of the earliest known sanctuaries of Zeus in Europe.

Excavations have revealed a massive stone foundation, presumed to belong to an earlier temple structure, beneath the modern chapel of Agioi Taxiarxes. The discovery of ancient roof tiles corroborates the hypothesis of an earlier building at the site. In addition, the temple ruins include two expansive terraces, cisterns, and a staircase near a Hellenistic wall. These features underscore the sophistication of ancient construction techniques.

circa 400 CE

Jewish Synagogue and the Mosaic Floor
The mosaic decorated the floor of the Jewish synagogue of Aegina. Discovered in 1829 CE to the East of the "secret harbour" in the midst of an important quarter of the ancient city, the building has been excavated only in parts because of its modern superstructures. During the investigations remains of an older predecessor have been indentified (hatched walls). Through the entrance in the west and an antechamber people reached the main hall which measured 13.50 to 7.60 meters. To the east a raised apsis was annexed in which the shrine of the Torah was stored. Between apsis and main hall stood the reading-desk (white recess in the eastern mosaic-frame).

For the purpose of preservation the mosaic has been removed from its original context to the current location. It displays the typical decorative patterns of mosaic floors of the 4 th century CE consisting of artistic geometric designs in a rich scale of colours. At the west side near the entrance two constructive inscriptions are visible. They refer to the erection of the synagogue using revenues of the community and donations of its members, when Theodoros was head of the synagogue. The bedding of the mosaic took place when his homonymous son held the same position.

circa 1687-1714 CE

Tower of Markellos
The Tower of Markellos, believed to have been constructed during the second Venetian occupation (1687–1714), served as a strategic watchtower amid preparations for a potential Turkish siege. This period saw the construction of fortifications, including castles, walls, and numerous watchtowers. After the Turkish occupation in 1714, the tower fell into disuse until approximately 1802 CE, when it was purchased as a residence by revolutionary leader Spyros Markellos. Between 1826 and 1828, the tower gained prominence as the headquarters of the provisional government of the nascent Greek state. Subsequently, it functioned as a police headquarters and housed various governmental agencies before being abandoned again in the mid-19th century. Today, the Tower of Markellos is under the ownership of the Municipality of Aegina.

circa 1828 CE

Archaeological Museum of Aegina
The Archaeological Museum of Aegina (Greek: Αρχαιολογικό Μουσείο Αιγίνης), established on 21 October 1828 CE by Ioannis Kapodistrias, Greece's first governor, houses a diverse collection of artifacts, including ancient vessels, pottery, ceramics, alabasters, statuettes, inscriptions, coins, weapons, and copper vessels. The exhibits, displayed across three rooms, include notable items such as an etched carnelian bead indicative of ancient trade links with Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley civilization. The museum is situated in a single-story stone building with a central patio surrounded by a wooden portico, reflecting traditional architectural elements.

circa 1850 CE

Archaeological Museum of Aphaia