Kos History

According to Greek mythology, Kos is the sacred land of Asclepius, the god of healing. Archaeological findings prove that the history of Kos starts from prehistoric times, with some discovered remains dating to the Bronze Age (2900 BC-2100 BC). The Minoans settled on the island around the 14th century BC, followed by the Achaeans, and, a few centuries later, the Dorians came and built the ancient city of Kos. The Persians conquered Kos during the 5th century BC but were defeated by the Athenians who took control of the island during the battle of Salamina.

The 5th century BC was marked by the birth of Hippocrates, the father of Medicine and founder of the first School of Medicine. After he died in 357 BC, the inhabitants of Kos built the sanctuary of Asklepeion honoring Hippocrates and the god Asklepios. It was used as a hospital, welcoming patients from all over the Mediterranean, with doctors who applied the therapeutic methods of Hippocrates.

During the Peloponnesian War between Athens and Sparta (431BC-404 BC), the people of Kos were allies of Athens but would deflect between sides depending on their interests. In 394 BC, Kos once again allied itself with Athens, and democracy was introduced to the island. This period was characterized by cultural, educational, and economic growth.

In 335 BC, the island of Kos became a part of the Macedonian Empire. After the death of Alexander the Great, his successors the Ptolemies took control of the island and the rest of the Dodecanese. The Byzantine period brought prosperity and wealth to Kos, unfortunately, threatened by the constant pirate raids of which the most dangerous were the attacks of the Saracens.

Kos was integrated into the Eastern colony of the Roman Empire after 82 BC. In 1204 AD, the Venetians occupied the island, while in 1315 control was claimed by the Knights of Saint John. A century later, they built the superb fortress that stands today at the entrance of the harbor of Kos as well as the Castle of Antimachia. In 1522, the Turks took the island and held it until 1912, when the Italian troupes invaded Kos and expelled them. The Italians considered the island an important tourist center and were responsible for various infrastructure projects and archaeological excavations.

Renovations of the island’s infrastructure were highly prioritized after the disastrous earthquake of 1934, which almost destroyed Kos and left many buildings in ruins. The rule of the Italians came to an end in 1943, when German troops occupied the island. The German occupation was a very dark period for the inhabitants of Kos who endured great suffering and deprivations. The nightmare ended in 1945 when Kos came under British rule. Finally, in 1948, Kos, along with the rest of the Dodecanese, was reunified with Greece following the Paris Peace Treaty.