Chios

The Island's History

Chios is the probable birthplace of Homer, and, like many of the islands, has had a turbulent past. But it has also been relatively prosperous and in medieval times the mastic resin was exported and in the 20th Century shipping dynasties were built up in Chios. There is a strong maritime influence and many people did, and still do, serve in the Merchant Navy.

In 1822 the Turks committed an infamous atrocity, slaughtering 30,000 inhabitants and enslaving many more. The clifftop village of Anavatos is the site of a mass suicide by the villagers, rather than face surrender to the Ottomans. It is still deserted, and has spectacular views and is an eerie but fascinating experience. There are numerous Byzantine monuments, medieval villages and Venetian architecture to admire on this island.

Chios has suffered at the hands of nature as well. In 1881 much of the island was destroyed by a severe earthquake and in 1980 parts of the island were devastated by forest fires, from which it is gradually recovering with the help of the planting of new trees.