RETHIMNON

historically Rhithymna town and capital of the noms (department) of Rethmni, north-central Crete, Greece. A town and port on Almiro Bay, Rthimnon trades in wheat, almonds, olive oil, and wine. It lies north of the ancient Mycenaean town of Rithymna. Rthimnon was a stronghold during the Venetian period in the late European Middle Ages, when it was called Retimo; its port shipped malmsey (malvasia) wine. The city was captured in 1645 by the Turks. In May 1941, German paratroops landed in and secured Rthimnon during the battle with Commonwealth forces for control of Crete. West of Rthimnon is the small port of Yeoryiopolis, which has sandy beaches on the east. Pop. (1981) 17,736.