History

The island of Thassos
from the ancient times until present.



Various ancient documents, written as far back as 3000 B.C., witness that, even so long ago, there was already life on the island. (pre-historic sites of 6000 b.c. have been found at Limenaria, Skala Sotiros and other places). These data are derived from archaeological findings in the area of Kastri, Theologos and the facing coasts of Macedonia.

The first pieces of information on Thassos can be found in Greek Mythology: Thassos, son of Phoenician King Agenoras, was in search of his sister, Europe, who had been abducted by Zeus disguised as a bull. Looking for her, he found himself in Thassos, where he decided to settle, thus giving his name to the island which, until then, had at times been given various names: Chrissi, Ierii, Edonis, Odonis, Aethria, Coast of Demetra.

What is certain is that the Phoenicians came to Thassos to exploit the local mines and timber, especially in the area of Kinira in the period 1600-1500 B.C., according to Herodotus, the great ancient historian.

Around 7th century B.C., Thassos is colonized by the people of Paros, according to a prophecy the latter received from the oracle at Delphi. Those people were led by Telesicles and his son, Archilochos, a great poet of ancient times still studied at Greek schools to this day.

This is the beginning of the powerful THASSIAN STATE era; a state that is bound to colonize the facing coasts of Macedonia, fortify its capital, Thassos, and become distinguished as a major naval force. Athens and Sparta had always sought to have Thassos under their influence and they managed to do so by starting wars in turns. Because it was plain to see that whoever dominated Thassos would benefit in many ways: from the island itself and from its mainland colonies facing it. In this period (5th century B.C.), Thassos developed a great civilization, of which many elements are saved to this day. Its people cultivated the art of Sculpture, Architecture, Theater. In the field of athletic achievements, Thassos boasts the Olympic Champion of ancient times, Theagenis. The ancient marble quarries of Thassos are also saved to this day, in the areas of Aliki and Thimonia. This was a period when Thassos had 150.000 inhabitants, powerful walls surrounding it and a fortified harbour in its capital, as well as a Parliament, a Prytaneum, a Market, a Theatre, a Conservatory etc.

The decline of Thassos began with the Persian wars (492 B.C.), while in 340 B.C. the island was subdued by the King of Macedonia. Philip B'. Consequently, it was dominated by the Roman Empire until 330 A.D., when it was integrated in the Byzantine Empire.

Piracy had always been a major setback for Thassos. From the 7th century A.D. onwards, this problem became even worse and so the inhabitants started building new villages further up the mountainous regions.

In 1353 A.D., the island was taken over by Francisco Gateluzzo from Geneva and remained under his family's domination until 1455, when it fell under Turkish occupation.

In 1813, the Turkish Sultan ceded Thassos to the Vizier of Egypt, Mehmet Ali, who later on founded the Royal Dynasty of Egypt. Mehmet Ali was born in Kavala and grew up next to the family of Theodoroudis Karapanagiotis in Rachoni, Thassos. Feeling grateful for the Greeks' hospitability, he released Thassos from all taxes. In 1821, however, the people of Thassos still revolted, guided by their chieftain Chatzigiorgis from Theologos, but to no avail.

In 1902, new taxes that were imposed on the island caused a new round of upheaval; this led to the termination of Egyptian occupation and brought back the Turks, who took over the island once again until 1912, at which point Thassos was liberated.