Α21 - Struggling with the land

The rough and barren land of Mani did not allow for the development of extensive cultivation: the soil is scarce, making survival a daily struggle. Residents were forced to turn small areas of wastelands into lands for cultivation by bringing soil from other areas, in order to strengthen the ground. The terraces that were used to retain soil for cultivation are still visible at Tsikalia settlement. They were used to cultivate mainly barley and corn. Locals balanced their diet by heavily consuming legumes, such as lupin beans and peas, which thrive in dry soils, like the soil of East Mani. Legumes and cereal were first processed at open and sunward threshing floors for fanning or winnowing wheat, and later in watermills, sea mills or windmills.

Picture: Courtesy of Yiannis Vourlitis, “Image Bible of Mani”, Adouloti Mani Publications