Kos: History throughout the ages

The first inhabitant settlement around 2300-2000 BC is positioned in the area of Kos town. During the middle Bronze Age (2000-1600 BC), this settlement expanded and the
first Minoan elements appeared, showing remarkable development over the next hundred years. More recent excavations have revealed important Minoan finds in the Seragia area, where the settlement was located. In the two centuries that followed after 1450 BC, the settlement attained more of a Mycenaean character and expanded throughout the Seragia hill. Its cemetery was found southwest of the city, at the sites of Eleonas and Lagada, where 84 graves were excavated. Vessels of exceptional art found in this cemetery are displayed in the Museum of Kos, while the series of vases from the Seragia area is also very interesting. Mycenaean weapons and vases were also discovered in the area of Asclepieion.

Of all mythical heroes, one's name is most prominently associated with Kos: Hercules. Returning to his homeland from Kolchida, he encountered a violent storm and found himself shipwrecked on Kos with a few of his companions. While wandering around the inland, they met the shepherd Antagoras with his flock. Hercules asked to buy a sheep and Antagoras said he would give it to him if he could defeat him. Hercules fought with Antagoras. His comrades gradually joined the battle on his side and the people of Kos joined the battle, defending Antagoras. Hercules, tired from the journey, could not endure the continued fighting and after leaving the battle, he fled to Pyli. There, he persuaded the inhabitants to declare war on King Eurypylus of Kos. In the ensuing battle, Hercules killed Eurypylus and married his daughter Chalciopi. Thus began the reign of the Heracleides generation on Kos. The myth probably symbolises the struggle between Dorians and locals for control over the island.

The Hellenistic era was the most brilliant period in Kos' ancient history and was characterised by marvelous economic and cultural prosperity as well as an excellent operation of the democratic institutions.

The fame of the Asclepieion and its doctors went beyond the borders of the island and became nationwide. The fortifications of the city, its market, one of the largest in the ancient world, theatres, gymnasiums and other temples brought to life a whole new world which existed on the very same spot of the present-day city of Kos, while sculptures, inscriptions and writings testify to this "greatness".

Kos' association with the Romans began in 200 BC before Kos became a Roman province. The island develops friendly relations with Rome during this period and manages to remain a free and independent state. However, Kos lost its political freedom in the years of Caesar, who occupied the island in 48 BC. Kos then became a tributary state to the Romans who demanded taxes that the people of Kos were unable to pay. So they acquired a work of art, the "Emerging Venus" made by the famous painter of Kos, Apelis.
Even during this period, Kos continues to develop and prosper.
The construction of important monuments, such as the Nymphaeum, Thermae, Roman Odeon and Casa Romana, continues.

In 1314 AD the island was occupied by the Knights Hospitaller (the Order of Knights of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem). The first period of their occupation is characterised by efforts to organise the Order administratively and militarily, bring the inhabitants closer together and establish new relations. Fortifications such as the Knights’ Castle and the castle of Antimachia were built and reinforced. From the 14th century onwards, the knights were going to defend the island against the Ottomans.
Despite their successful resistance against the great Turkish attack in 1457, thanks to the castles of Palio Pyli, Kefalos and especially that of Antimachia, the Turks finally occupied Kos in 1523.

Although Greece entered World War II on the side of the Allies, Kos and the rest of the Dodecanese were still under fascist occupation. However, the Modern Greek Sacred Band fought alongside the Allies in the Middle East with many volunteers from the islands, including Kos. After the surrender of Italy, Germany invaded Kos to prevent its occupation by the British. In October 1943, the Germans invaded Kos through land and air and managed to occupy it despite the brave resistance of local, Italian and English soldiers. As the Nazi domination of Kos began, a period of terror and brutality began as well.
Finally, after Germany’s defeat and a brief British occupation, the long awaited moment had arrived. On 7 March 1948, Kos and the rest of the Dodecanese were reunified with their homeland, Greece.