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Chios Hotel

The 5th largest island in Greece is actually Chios. This island is known for its merchant shipping business, as well as mastica. Its elegance is amazing and this island is packed filled with history. It's obvious to see the history from the medieval villages which are still there today. In this article you will learn about the history in this place which has made it what it is today.

In Northern Chios, proof has come forth of people living there in the Neolithic time period! There is also evidence of human occupants from the Proto-Helladic period, as well as archaeological digs in Fana as well as Chios unearthed Mycenaean artifacts.

Legends in mythology say that the very first inhabitants of the island was the grandson of King Minos, Oinopionas, and his people. They think it may also be named after his daughter Chiona, or maybe the Phoenician word for mastica, and that is what the island it is best known for.

Chios Greece: Steeped In Ancient History

King Amphialos was the very first royalty to be documented in Chios. This island was settled by the lonian Greeks right after. The lonians became major powers in the seventh century (BC). Homer, the famous poet, was born on Chios. His poetry did end up being known around the world over time.

The Sixth century saw the world’s very first democracy, referred to as Great Covenant. It is widely held that Solon reformed Athens according to this, and a period of prosperity and peace settled on the land because of this. During this time period, as other Greek cities established colonies, Chios did not, however they did make major merchant trading, including mastic because of its medicinal properties.

During the Persian expansion, Chios was under the tyrannical rule of King Darius. King Darius was forced out of power in the revolution of 499 BC, however a short six years later in 493 BC people were under his power again. When the Persians were defeated, came a time period of wealth. During this period, culture as well as art grew, but the land fell into the dark ages with the rest of the world through the rise of Christianity.

The 11th century saw the land battling with Arab pirates, and later ruled by the Franks. After, the Genovese utilized the island as a trading path for the East. From 1329 to 1346, it was ruled by the Venetians, and after the Genovese took it back and kept it for an additional two centuries. During this rule, the mastica production really reached fruition, and lots of mastica villages were created and fortified. These are unique to the island, and are known as Mastikahoria.

Do you know who Christopher Columbus is, who does not right! Well it's said that he was born and raised in Chios, although not proven. Others believe that he simply visited and remained for many years, and he valued the mastica. It's also said that he had many Chios sailors on the ship along with him. These are details that most individuals do not know.

Chios Greece has so many historical wonders that you'll be amazed. It does not matter if you are young and learning, or if you are older and just a history buff; you'll love Chios.

Chios