KOS TRAVEL GUIDE

KOS > HISTORY

HISTORY

Kos has been inhabited continuously since Prehistoric years and its residents, from the earliest times, made their livings from the sea and trade. In 460 B.C Hippocrates, father of medicine, was born here. It was here that the first ever medical facility was founded. Afterwards his death in 357 B.C. the people of Kos founded the eminent Asklipio to honour the god Asklipios.

The harbour on the island is placed in a strategic point between the East and West. A period of prosperity lasted until the 6th century when it was destroyed by a huge earthquake. Kos was occupied by the Great Alexander in 366 B.C. and it knew new prosperity during the Byzantine period which followed the sovereignty of Knights of Saint Ioannis of Rhodes. The mighty fortress at the entry of the harbour was built during this time. Later Kos’ fate was identical to that of the neighbouring islands. In 1933 it was destroyed by a yet another earthquake and was rebuilt by the Italian conquerors.