The Social and Spatial Development of Hermoupolis During the 19th Century

Abstract

This article investigates the spatial form and social functioning of Hermoupolis, a port city of the Greek island of Syros in the 19th century. It studies the historical development of Hermoupolis into one of the most important commercial and industrial centers and explores the role the port city played as a node in a larger network which extends beyond its physical boundaries. It examines the particular connection between land and sea, and the way that the island’s people and visitors have perceived the multila yered city. Through a systematic study of the local archive of the island, this research highlights the functions located near the waterfront during the 19th century and the complex network that formed and shaped the social functioning of that city.