Welcome to Lefkada or to Ancient Ithaca?

On the Way to Lefkada or to Ancient Ithaca?

Welcome to Lefkada sorry Ithaca
Odysseus on his way to Ancient Ithaca

Welcome to Lefkada or to ancient Ithaca? That’s a mystery! Almost everybody knows about the Homer‘s Odyssey. The ancient Greek Poem that narrates the story of the long trip of Odysseus from Troy back to his homeland Ithaca. An ancient story from 1200 BC approximately that finally became real instead of a myth. In particular, it was the well known German archaeologist Heinrich Schliehmann who discovered the remnants of the ancient Troy in Minor Asia in 1870. Exactly around the area where Homer was referring to. In 1905, one of Schliemann’s assistants, Wilhelm Dörpfeld also made some extensive excavations in Lefkada. Finally, he managed to discover near Nydri area many ancient tombs of the Mycenaean’s era.

For this reason, Dörpfeld supported the theory that Lefkada was the ancient Ithaca and the real homeland of Odysseus. However, today there is still a dispute between archaeologists about the real ancient Ithaca. So, is it right to say welcome to Lefkada or to Ancient Ithaca? The answer is yours after you read the following lyrics.

What Homer Said About Ithaca

Lefkada is Ancient Ithaca
Seaview from Skaros peak Lefkada

In accordance with the Homer’s description one is for sure. The modern Ithaca doesn’t match the description. So, the real Ithaca of Odyssey still remains a mystery. However, it’s up to you to decide by checking the map and reading the Homer’s lyrics. So, which of the four islands that Homer describes below might be the ancient Ithaca? According to the following lyrics in Odyssey, you could make your assumptions.

Map of Homer’s Ithaca according to Dörpfeld’s theory (Source: Wikipedia)
Odyssey 9.21-9: But I dwell in clear-seen Ithaca, wherein is a mountain, Neriton, covered with waving forests, conspicuous from afar; and round it lie many isles hard by one another, Dulichion, and Same, and wooded Zakynthos. Ithaca itself lies close in to the mainland the furthest toward the gloom, but the others lie apart toward the Dawn and the sun—a rugged isle, but a good nurse of young men and for myself no other thing can I see sweeter than one's own land.
Odyssey 4.844-6:  There is a rocky isle in the midst of the sea, midway between Ithaca and rugged Samos, Asteris, of no great size, but therein is a harbor where ships may lie, with an entrance on either side.
Odyssey 4.670-1: I may watch in ambush for him as he passes in the strait between Ithaca and rugged Samos.
Odyssey 13.96-114: There is in the land of Ithaca a certain harbor of Phorcys, the old man of the sea, and at its mouth two projecting headlands sheer to seaward, but sloping down on the side toward the harbor. These keep back the great waves raised by heavy winds without, but within the benched ships lie unmoored when they have reached the point of anchorage. At the head of the harbor is a long-leafed olive tree, and near it a pleasant, shadowy cave sacred to the nymphs that are called Naiads. […] Two doors there are to the cave, one toward the North Wind, by which men go down, but that toward the South Wind is sacred, nor do men enter thereby it is the way of the immortals.

Conclusion, Lefkada is the Ancient Ithaca?

In conclusion, everyone agrees that the southernmost island of Zakynthos is the modern Zakynthos because its name has never been changed in history. However, the problem is with the other three islands. Lefkada, Cephalonia and Ithaca. According to Homer’s lyrics they had different names in comparison with their current modern names. Finally, it’s up to you to decide. In other words, welcome to Lefkada or to ancient Ithaca? The answer is yours by visiting Lefkada next summer. We are looking forward to hosting you in LEFKASEABNB and solve together the mystery of the ancient Ithaca!