Morea

Morea, the mediæval and modern name for the Peloponnesus (q.v.), in southern Greece, said to be derived from morus, 'a mulberry'—the outline of the peninsula bearing a resemblance to the leaf of that tree; others, however, such as Fallmerayer, trace it back to the Slavonic more, 'the sea,' which nearly encircles the Morea. After being overrun by the Goths and Vandals, it became a prey, in the second half of the 8th century, to Slav invaders, who were gradually subdued and civilised by the Byzantine emperors. In 1205 the peninsula was conquered by the Normans, who formed its western portion into a feudal principality subject to the crown of Sicily. Michael VIII. Palæologus reconquered the country after 1261; but the principality of Achaia remained in the family of Villehardouin till 1346, when the male line became extinct. Various claimants now arose, and much strife and confusion ensued. At length, in 1461, the greater portion of the Morea fell into the hands of the Turks, the remainder being held by Venice, who abandoned it in 1540. Venice reconquered the Morea in 1684, but again lost it to the Turks in 1714. For its later history, see GREECE.