Amigdalos (Αμύγδαλος), a small mountainous village, is part of the Municipality of Archanes-Asterousia in the Heraklion Regional Unit, Crete, Greece. It is situated at an altitude of 595 meters and lies approximately 50 km south of Heraklion and 37 km south of Epano Archanes.
History
The village was first officially recognized as a settlement in 1925 and was subsequently attached to the community of Pyrgos. Under the Kallikratis Plan, it was grouped with the settlements of Paranymphoi, Platanias, and Treis Ekklisies to form the community of Paranymphoi, which falls under the municipal unit of Asterousia in the Municipality of Archanes-Asterousia.
Etymology
The name “Amigdalos” is of plant origin, like other villages in the area, e.g., Ethia (Itea), Mournia, and translates to “almond tree” in Greek. The village likely owes its name to the abundance of wild almond trees in the surrounding region.
Population
Amigdalos has experienced a steady population decline throughout the 20th and 21st centuries.
Year |
Population |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
1881 |
60 |
15 Christians, 45 Muslims |
1900 |
26 |
Christians |
1928 |
41 |
|
1961 |
58 |
|
1971 |
47 |
|
1981 |
42 |
|
1991 |
35 |
|
2001 |
43 |
|
2011 |
28 |
|
2021 |
18 |
Settlement: Key Points
- Location: Amigdalos, Crete, Greece.
- Historical Significance: Traditional mountainous village.
- Current Status: Inhabited, but with a declining population.
