Exantis, Mylopotamos

Exantis is a village within the Melidoni community, situated in the Mylopotamos municipality of the Rethymno regional unit on the island of Crete, Greece. The village is located 31 kilometers east of Rethymno at an altitude of 100 meters. As of the 2011 census, Exantis has a population of 117 residents.

Historical References

While Exantis is absent from Venetian census records, it likely existed during that period, as it appears in the Ottoman census of 1671 under the name “Iksati.” The village is also mentioned in the 1842 work “Cretica” by Michael Chourmouzis as “Exatis” and in Emmanouil Lambrakis’ “Geography of Crete” (1890) as “Exanti.” The etymology of the name remains uncertain, possibly originating from the first settler’s name or an archaic Greek toponym that has persisted to the present day.

In 1881, Exantis belonged to the municipality of Melidoni and had a population of 56 according to the census. By the 1900 census, the population had grown to 100, still under the same municipality. In 1920, Exantis was designated as the seat of a rural municipality. In 1925, it was incorporated into the community of Melidoni, where it remained until the Kapodistrias administrative reform in 1997, when it became part of the municipality of Geropotamos.

Population Data Over the Years

Current Status

Today, Exantis remains a small but active village, maintaining its connection to its agricultural roots and cultural heritage. The residents continue to engage in farming and livestock rearing, contributing to the local economy. The village’s historical landmarks, particularly its churches, serve as reminders of its past and provide focal points for community life. Exantis’s proximity to Rethymno offers residents access to urban amenities and opportunities while preserving the village’s tranquil rural atmosphere.

Village Key Points

• Historical References: While absent from Venetian records, Exantis appears in the Ottoman census of 1671 and later Greek documents. The etymology of its name remains uncertain.
• Location: Situated 31 kilometers east of Rethymno at an altitude of 100 meters.
• Dimensions: A small village with a population of 117 as of 2011.
• Historical Significance: Exantis represents a typical Cretan village with a history dating back to at least the Ottoman period. Its churches, particularly the cemetery church with its 18th-century templon, contribute to its cultural heritage.
• Population data over the years: The population has fluctuated over the years, with a peak in the mid-20th century followed by a decline and subsequent stabilization.
• Current Status: Exantis remains a small but active village. Its historical landmarks and proximity to Rethymno make it an attractive location for residents and visitors alike.