SAMOS TRAVEL GUIDE

SAMOS > HISTORY

HISTORY

Samos is an island with a long-lasting history as it is inhabited from the prehistoric era. The acme of its glory coincides with the tyranny of Polykratis at about 550 B.C. where Samos became the centre of Ionian culture. After his death, 522 B.C. Samos lost all its powerfulness.

Later, the island was dominated by the Romans.

During the Byzantine period Samos, suffered a lot of piratical raids and large destructions.

During the era of the Crusades it was ruled after the Venetians. In 1346 the island passed in the sovereignty of Genovans.

In 1475 a strong earthquake gave the final blow to the island, which was depopulated.

One hundred years gone by for Samos to revive again. In 1549 the Turkish fleet invaded Samos.

In 1821 Samos rebelled against the Turks. The very few Turkish residents of the island were able to leave.

In the early 1913, Samos was finally incorporated to Greece.