Ever since the Neolithic Period, the land of Messinia has always been a target to the various invaders due to the fertility of its soil and large valleys. The remains of the Mycenaean Palace of King Nestor are to be found near the capital. The settlement of the Dorian tribe in the area would signify the end of the Mycenaean Era.

The Spartans occupied the area between the 8th-5th century BC. It was freed by the Thiveoi in 369BC only to be reoccupied in 183BC by the Romans. After the Byzantine Era the Franks settled in the area until it was finally occupied by the Turks in 1498.

The Revolution against the Turkish occupation began on 23rd March 1821 after the disasters caused by the Turkush-Egyptian army of Ibrahim. The battle of Navarino signified the liberation of Peloponnesus and the creation of the new Greek State.