Chios Island Information ....
Chios is the 5th largest island in Greece, inhabited since the Neolithic Age. Chios is known for its powerful maritime tradition due to its geographical position. From the 7th century B.C. until the 4th century B.C. Chios was at the peak of its power and wealth.
During the Byzantine period (4th century - 1346) Nea Moni monastery and the Chios Castle were constructed. Nea Moni is well-known for its mosaics and it has been characterized by UNESCO as a world monument of Cultural Heritage.
When the island was under the Genoese control (1346-1566) the trade of mastiha expanded and the many “village–fortresses” were built at the southern part of the island. The village of Mesta is one of them. Afterwards the island was ruled by the Turks and the massacre of the inhabitants in 1822,
after an unsuccessful rebellion, raised the Europeans sympathy and gave inspiration to artists like Eugene Delacroix and Victor Hugo. The island was liberated and included to the Greek land in 1912.
Today the island has a population of about 53.000 people, half of which live in the city centre. Besides the mastic production Chios is known for its maritime tradition. As it is said Christopher Columbus came to Chios in search of skilled sailors and maps while he was preparing for his long voyage. Also we shouldn’t forget that Chios is where the great poet of Ancient Greece Homer, lived and taught.