Kerames, Agios Vassilios

Kerames Rethymno (Κεραμές Ρεθύμνου) is a village located in the Rethymno regional unit on the island of Crete, Greece. It lies within the municipal unit of Lampi, in the municipality of Agios Vasileios. The village is situated at an altitude of 300 meters and is 47.5 kilometers from Rethymno. Kerames has been designated as a traditional settlement, characterized by its well-preserved architecture and historical significance.

Historical Background

Archaeological Findings

Evidence suggests the presence of an ancient settlement near Kerames. Remains dating back to the pre-palatial period (2600-2000 BC), including walls and pottery shards, have been discovered at a site known as Pyrgos, approximately 4 kilometers south of the village. The findings include inscriptions, terracotta heads, and a relief depicting Europa on a bull, further attesting to the area’s historical significance.

Identification and Decline

This ancient settlement is believed to be the city of Bionnos or Kionia, and potentially Apollonia or Lamon. It likely thrived until the 3rd century BC when it was possibly abandoned due to pirate raids. The inhabitants are thought to have relocated to the present-day sites of Kerames and Agalianos for safety.

Modern Settlement

The village is mentioned in historical records as Cheramea in 1577 and Chieramea in the 1583 Venetian census. The Ottoman census of 1659 records it as Kerame. In the 1881 census, it is listed as Kerame and Agios Ioannis within the municipality of Agios Pnevmatos. By 1920, Kerames was the seat of its own rural municipality.

Etymology

The origin of the name Kerames is debated. One theory suggests it derives from a nearby hill named Keramos, known for its tile-shaped slabs that were used in local construction. Another theory proposes that the name evolved from “kerameus,” meaning potter, possibly indicating the presence of a pottery workshop or trade center in the vicinity.

Culture and Traditions

Churches: Kerames boasts numerous churches that showcase the village’s religious devotion and architectural heritage. The main church, Agios Panteleimonas – Agios Pnevma, is a two-aisled basilica built in 1948 on the site of an older church from 1846. Other notable churches include Agios Dimitrios, with its impressive wood-carved iconostasis, and Agios Ioannis Theologos (Alotos), a 17th-century church adorned with frescoes.

Connection to Preveli Monastery: Kerames has close historical ties to the Preveli Monastery, which owned substantial land and a factory in the area. Many villagers were employed by the monastery.

Family and Social Life

Population decline: The population of Kerames has experienced a significant decline over the past century, mirroring trends seen in many rural Cretan villages. Factors contributing to this decline likely include urbanization and economic opportunities in larger towns and cities.

Community life: Despite its small size, Kerames maintains a sense of community. The village has a kafenion (coffee shop), which serves as a gathering place for locals to socialize and discuss village affairs.

Settlement: Key Points

• Historical references: Mentioned as Cheramea in 1577 and Chieramea in the 1583 Venetian census.
• Location: 47.5 kilometers from Rethymno, at an altitude of 300 meters.
• Historical significance: Close to the site of an ancient settlement dating back to the pre-palatial period.
• Population data:

• Current status: A traditional settlement with a declining population, but maintaining its historical and cultural heritage.

References

• Wikipedia
• RethNea