Athamanio
A village at 756 m below a peak of 2,393 m, known for dairy, cured meats and walnuts, with a history of buying its land.
- Location
- About 64 km from Arta, altitude 756 m
- Residents
- 206 (2021)
- Peak
- 2,393 m above the village
- Name
- Athamanio since 1950
Athamanio lies in the Tzoumerka, about 64 km from Arta. The settlement spans about 620 to 1,042 m and the peak above the village reaches 2,393 m. The village's name, earlier Leipsista, Loupsista and Leipson, became Athamanio in 1950 and is linked to the mythical king Athamas.
The land purchase
An agreement of 1883 set the price at 4,500 gold lira, but it collapsed. In 1898 the residents bought the land through a guarantor, paying in instalments over 33 years. The state held bare ownership until 1998, when the residents gained full title.
History and economy
The Athamanes are first mentioned in 395 BC. The Tzoumerka resisted Ottoman rule until 1479. Local leaders proclaimed the Revolution of 1821 at the Agios Georgios monastery in Vourgareli. The region was annexed to Greece in 1881. The village is known for dairy products, cured meats, walnuts and beekeeping.
