Roussochoria, Minoa – Pediada

Roussochoria is a village in the Municipality of Minoa Pediada, Heraklion regional unit, Crete, Greece. It is part of the Nipiditos community. The village sits at an altitude of 380 meters and is located approximately 37 kilometers from Heraklion city.

The village is situated on two hills, running north to south. At the edge of the western side of these hills, there are steep rocky cuts with three caves at their base.

The name Roussochoria is derived from the Greek word “roussos,” meaning “red.” The village was formed by the merging of several smaller settlements (hamlets or “metochia”) that were scattered across the plain. This explains the plural form “choria” (villages) in the name. Another theory suggests that the plural form is due to the union of two older settlements located on the two hilltops where the village now stands. Traces of habitation can be seen on the opposite southern hill, known as “Pera Chorio” (meaning “the village beyond”), as well as in the areas called “Stavros” (cross) and “stou Fasoula to Metochi” (Fasoula’s hamlet), supporting the idea of a merger of settlements.

Another possible etymology links the name to the phrase “Roson choria” (villages of the Russians), suggesting the settlement of Russians in the area. This theory is supported by the Greek spelling “Roussochoria” provided by the 17th-century scholar and priest, Chourmouzis Byzantios. “Rhos” or “Russians” came to Crete with the Byzantine army of Nikephoros Phokas in 961 AD during the reconquest of the island from the Arabs. They settled permanently in areas granted to them as a reward for their military service.

History

The history of Roussochoria dates back to ancient times. Archaeological remains south of the village, behind the church of Agia Fotini, indicate the presence of ancient structures. During the period of Cretan civil wars (4th-2nd centuries BC), the area was likely a settlement or village belonging to the ancient city of Arcadia.

In the 1970s, a tombstone dating back to the 2nd century AD was discovered in the “Stavros” area. The inscription on the tombstone confirms that the area was inhabited during the late Roman and possibly early Byzantine periods. Pottery fragments and bones from ancient burials continue to be uncovered in the area.

Written records mentioning Roussochoria date back to 1280. During the early Venetian period, the village was a fiefdom of Iakovos Quirini and his successors. Later, part of the village came under the ownership of the Vlastos family, an old Byzantine family that had settled in the area since the Byzantine reconquest.

The presence of Muslims in the area during the Ottoman period is also documented. The 17th-century Ottoman census records 40 households in Roussochoria paying taxes.

After the Greco-Turkish War (1919-1922) and the population exchange between Greece and Turkey, many refugees from Asia Minor settled in Roussochoria.

Present Day

The village economy today relies mainly on viticulture (grape cultivation), olive oil production, and vegetables. Roussochoria is considered a dynamic and developing village in the Municipality of Minoa Pediada. It has a primary school.

Churches

• Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos: The main church of the village.
• Church of Agia Fotini: Located near the archaeological remains.
• Church of Saint George: Another church in the village.

Village Key Points

• Historical References:
  • Written records from 1280.
  • 1671 Ottoman census with 40 tax-paying households.
• Location: Municipality of Minoa Pediada, Heraklion regional unit, Crete, Greece. 37 km from Heraklion city.
• Altitude: 380 meters
• Historical Significance: Ancient remains, Venetian-era fiefdom, settlement of refugees from Asia Minor.
• Population:

• Current Status: Active village with a primarily agricultural economy.

References

• Wikipedia