Chios ancient history Chios has been inhabited for thousands of
years. Archaeological findings on Chios near the caves of "agios
gala" proofed to be dated 3000 BC. Also at the city of Emborio
findings from the period 2600-2000 B.C were found. The name of
this island dates back to this period. Some say the name is
derived from Chiona, Chiona was on of the daughters of
Oinopionas of Crete. Other say that the name is the Phoenician
name for Mastic. In this time the island was also named
Pityousa, which means pine tree in ancient Greek. The first king
of Chios was named "Amphialos" or "Amphiklos" which was sent
there by an Oracle. Later the Ionians came from Asia Minor to
colonize the island. It became a major naval power and the
centre of commercial and cultural activities around 700 B.C. In
this position the people flourished in many ways. Amongst the
people of the island were the richest in the area. Even today
this period reflect on every day life because of the proverbs it
created. such as "Chia Zoe" (chiosi