Sata, Amari

Sata is a small village located in the Amari Valley, in the Rethymno regional unit, on the island of Crete, Greece.

Etymology

The origin of the name “Sata” is uncertain, with several possible explanations including a pre-Hellenic origin or a derivation from the Latin word “sativus,” meaning “cultivated.”

History

The area around Sata has been inhabited since the Minoan era, as evidenced by tholos tombs discovered near the village. Pottery fragments from the Archaic and Classical periods have also been found, suggesting continued occupation through those times. Additionally, the remains of a Roman settlement have been located about 1 km north of the village.

The village of Sata itself is first mentioned in Venetian documents from the 16th century. It appears in various historical records under different spellings, including “Sata,” “Satta,” and “Sahta.” These documents provide evidence of the village’s continuous habitation from the Venetian period through the Ottoman period and into modern times.

During the Ottoman period, Sata had a mixed population of Christians and Muslims. The church of Agia Pelagia, dating back to the Venetian period, was converted into a mosque during this time.

Churches

The village has two main churches:

• Agios Dimitrios: This church was built on the site of an older church, likely dating back to the Venetian period.
• Agia Pelagia: Only ruins remain of this church, which was converted into a mosque during the Ottoman period.

Location and Demographics

Sata is situated in a fertile valley at an altitude of 320 meters. The surrounding area is rich in olive groves, carob trees, almond trees, and other fruit-bearing trees. Viticulture, cereal cultivation, legume cultivation, livestock farming, and beekeeping are common agricultural activities in the region.

The village has experienced a significant population decline over the past century. Today, Sata has only a handful of permanent residents, with the population increasing temporarily during the olive harvest season.

Settlement: Key Points

• Sata is a small village located in the Amari Valley, in the Rethymno regional unit, on the island of Crete, Greece.
• The village has a long history, with evidence of habitation dating back to the Minoan era.
• Sata has two main churches: Agios Dimitrios and Agia Pelagia (in ruins).
• The village has experienced a significant population decline over the past century.
• Today, Sata has only a handful of permanent residents, with the population increasing temporarily during the olive harvest season.
• Population: See table above.

References

• https://omospamari.gr/choria/sata/