EvidenceshowsthatSamoswasinhabitedbythe3^rdmillenniumA.C. Thehistoryof the island begins in the 6^th century AC, at the times of Polycrates [2][3].

Ancient times

The cultural role of Samos in Ancient Greece is very important.

At the times of Polycrates Samos was the centre of the Ionian civilization. Great works and monuments were built then, such as the Tunnel of Eupalinus in Pythgoreio, the temple of Hera, palaces and theatres.

The army and the fleet of Samos were also very popular.

Herodotos mentrions that three were the cities that dominated the seas Knossos (15^th century AC), Samos (6^th century AC) and Athens (5^th century AC).  [2][3][4].

Middle Ages

During the Byzantine Period, Samos, as well as the other islands suffered severe destructions by the attacks of pirates.

The Genoese dominated the island in 1346 but due to the multiple attacks by pirates the inhabitants of the island stared deserting it; the last ones together with the Genoese left the island in 1476 [6].

Turkish Dominion

The Turkish fleet arrived in Samos in 1549. Admiring the beauties of the island, they decided to bring it back to life. They gave special privileges to those who would decide to live there but the inhabitants would have to be Greeks and Orthodox Christians.   

Samos then started welcoming new inhabitants from the nearby islands, Asia Minor and later from the Peloponese and Crete[4]. 

Modern History 

In 1821 Samos rebelled against the Turks. The few Turks that were living on the island managed to escape and the efforts of the Turkish fleet to conquer the island were not successful.

In 1827 Samos was not included in the newly founded Greek State. It was united with Greece in 1912 [2][3][5].

Personalitites from Samos

A number of eminent personalities comes from Samos starting in ancient times until our days [1].