The history of the region is deeply interwoven with the broader history of Crete. The island’s earliest inhabitants settled along its coastal areas during the Stone Age. Across the entire Psiloritis mountain range, traces of Minoan settlements can be found—in Tylisos, Gonies, Zominthos, Monastiraki, and Apodoulou in Amari

During the Geometric and Archaic periods, flourishing city-states emerged, including Axos and Eleutherna. After the Roman conquest, Crete became a province of the vast empire, with Gortyn as the island’s political and economic hub.

The spread of Christianity marks the beginning of the Byzantine period. At that time, Gortyn, Axos, Eleftherna, and Syvritos served as episcopal sees. This era was violently disrupted by the Arab conquest in 823 AD. From those dark years under Arab rule, few historical accounts remain. In 961 AD, NikeorosPhokas reclaimed Crete, initiating the island’s second Byzantine period. According to local tradition, noble families from Constantinople settled in the region during this time. The fall of the Byzantine Empire after the Fourth Crusade in 1204 brought Crete under the rule of maritime Venice.

Cretan resistance never ceased. During the Kallergis revolts (1299), the surrounding region secured special privileges for its Greek Orthodox population.

In 1645, the Ottomans seized the island. As in past eras, the people of Psiloritis refused to submit to foreign domination. Through relentless resistance and rebellion, they fought to preserve their freedom. During this time, the caves of Malevizi sheltered the Hainides— the legendary mountain rebels.

In the great uprising for Greek independence in 1821, the region played a vital role in the national struggle. In 1824, four hundred men from Melidoni perished heroically in the historic Gerontospilios cave.

The Arkadi Monastery, epicenter of the 1866 revolution, stands to this day as a universal symbol of freedom and self-sacrifice.

During World War II and the Battle of Crete, fierce fighting broke out between Allied forces and German invaders. During the years of Nazi occupation, resistance groups took refuge in the inaccessible terrain of Psiloritis. Their actions led to brutal reprisals by the occupying forces—including the razing of Anogeia, the destruction of villages in the Kedros range, and the execution of numerous patriots in Gergeri, Nivritos, Gournolakkos, and Damasta.