The great development of Vathia occurred during the first half of the 19th century when it joined the administration of the last Bey of Mani, Petrombei Mavromichalis. Its growth was then considered necessary for strategic reasons. However, the isolation and the inaccessibility of the place, which made living hard, in addition with the "vendettas" and the assassinations of the male inhabitants, led to the gradual abandonment of the area. Today, Vathia has no permanent residents.