The island of Daskaleio
Daskaleio Island is in Tolo Bay, behind Romvi. During the transitional years (7th to 9th century), the two islands, as with other small islands in the Argolic Gulf (Plateia, Kounoupi, Chinitsa) seem to have been used as naval bases for the Byzantine fleet, to deal with the raids by the Arabs and Avars. This is proven by the lead seals of important state and religious officials which were found there. Seals have been found on Daskaleio which date from the 6th-8th century, belonging to Symeon, Leo the consul, Callistus the patrician, and Theodoros, the spatharius and general. At the same time, these islands also provided shelter to the inhabitants of the surrounding areas, as can be seen from the domestic and defensive remains which have survived there, especially in Romvi and Daskaleio.
In the Post-Byzantine period, a small church was built at the highest point on the island, dedicated to Zoodochos Pigi, the interior of which was decorated with murals.
Many centuries later, in 1686, during the 6th Venetian-Turkish War, Daskaleio and the wider coastal area of Tolo, Asini and Drepano, were used by the Venetians, led by Fransesco Morosini, as a base for the re-taking of the area from the Ottomans. It was at this time that Daskaleio was fortified with walls that can still be seen today.
