Castle of Lamia #1250

Description

The site has been fortified since the 5th century BC and remained in use as a defensive structure up until World War II.

The castle’s current form largely dates to the period of Frankish and Catalan occupation, from the early 13th century to the mid-15th century. The Ottomans later made additions to the castle’s interior, constructing various buildings.
The location was first fortified in the 5th century BC, as evidenced by the ancient foundations in the base of the current castle walls. It is known that the site continued to be used during the early and middle Byzantine periods.

The first written mention of the castle dates to the early 13th century, in a letter from Pope Innocent III.
In 1218, the castle was captured by the Byzantines of the Despotate of Epirus, under Theodoros Komnenos. In 1273, it was given as a dowry to the Burgundian noble Guillaume de La Roche, who later became Duke of Athens (1280-1287).

In 1311, the Frankish forces of the Duchy of Athens were defeated by the Catalan Company at the Battle of Kopais. After this, the Catalans took control of the castle and held it until 1446, when it was captured by the Turks.
Following the Greek Revolution, the castle was liberated in 1832/33 and served as a military base until World War II.