Kos history

Foundation and First Mentions

Although human presence on the island can be traced back to the Neolithic era, and the island itself is mentioned in Homer's "Iliad" as a participant in the Trojan War, the city of Kos in its modern sense has a precise birth date. It was founded in 366 BC. This event occurred through a process known as synoecism, when the inhabitants of the old capital (Astypalaia) and other small settlements united to build a new, well-fortified city on the northeastern tip of the island.

Key Factors of Formation

The transformation of Kos into a prosperous ancient polis was driven by several decisive circumstances:

• Geographic Location: The city was established at a strategically important point at the entrance to the Gulf of Keramos, controlling sea routes between the Aegean Sea, Egypt, and the coast of Asia Minor.
• Trade Infrastructure: The presence of a natural deep harbour allowed for the creation of a powerful port, which quickly became a vital transit hub for merchants of the ancient world.
• Natural Resources: The fertile volcanic soils of the island provided the city with resources for export, strengthening its economic independence.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

From its foundation, Kos was distinguished by a high level of culture and a specific economy. The city was famous for the production of Kos grapes and produce, which were highly valued in Rome and Greece, as well as the manufacturing of the finest semi-transparent fabrics ("Kos robes").

However, the city's main cultural brand became medicine. Kos is the birthplace of Hippocrates, and it was here that the famous medical school was formed. Thanks to the Asclepeion sanctuary, the city effectively became history's first international wellness centre, attracting pilgrims and patients from across the Mediterranean.

Key Milestones in the History of Kos

The history of the city and the island is rich with events reflecting the succession of great Mediterranean civilizations. Below are the key dates that shaped the modern appearance of Kos.

• Circa 460 BC — Hippocrates, the future "Father of Medicine," is born on the island; his work would bring fame to Kos throughout the ancient world.
• 366 BC — Foundation of the city of Kos at its current location resulting from the union of several scattered settlements (synoecism).
• 3rd Century BC — The golden age of the Asclepeion, which becomes one of the most significant healing sanctuaries of Ancient Greece.
• 82 BC — Kos becomes part of the Roman province of Asia, retaining the status of a free city and prospering through trade and agriculture.
• 1315 — Power over the island passes to the Knights of the Order of Saint John (Hospitallers), who begin the construction of the famous Neratzia Castle.
• 1523 — The island is conquered by the troops of the Ottoman Empire led by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, marking the beginning of four centuries of Turkish rule.
• 1912 — As a result of the Italo-Turkish War, Kos comes under Italian administration, initiating large-scale architectural and archaeological works.
• 1933 — A devastating earthquake destroys much of the old buildings, which paradoxically opens access to ancient monuments hidden underground (the Agora and Odeon).
• 1943 — At the height of World War II, the island is subjected to bombing and occupation by German troops.
• 1948 — Kos, along with other islands of the Dodecanese archipelago, officially reunites with Greece.

Stages of Urban Development and Transformation

The architectural and cultural appearance of Kos is a unique palimpsest, where every historical reign left its mark on street layouts and the economy. Here are the key stages that formed the modern look and function of the city:

• Ancient Urbanization (4th Century BC): Upon the city's foundation, the advanced Hippodamian system was applied—a regular rectangular grid of streets with clear zoning. This urban planning solution laid a foundation, traces of which can still be read in the structure of the historical centre and the port area.
• Roman Economic Flourishing: During this period, Kos established itself as a wealthy trading port. Revenues from the export of famous Kos silks and produce allowed for the construction of large-scale public structures—the Odeon, thermal baths, and luxurious villas (such as Casa Romana), which are today major archaeological parks within the city.
• Fortification of the Hospitallers (14th–15th Centuries): The Knights of the Order of Saint John changed the city's silhouette, turning it into a military outpost. The construction of the massive Neratzia Castle at the harbour entrance, often using marble from ancient temples, shifted the focus from open trade to defence.
• Ottoman Transformation (16th–19th Centuries): Over four centuries, the city acquired an Eastern flair integrated into the Greek environment. Mosques (Gazi Hasan Pasha, Defterdar), fountains, and covered markets appeared, significantly changing the visual style and public spaces of the central part.
• Italian Reconstruction (1933–1943): After the destructive earthquake of 1933, the Italian administration effectively built a new city. A "garden city" concept was implemented with wide avenues, palm alleys, and buildings in the Rationalist style. This solution allowed for the harmonious integration of exposed ancient ruins into modern residential developments.
• Modern Tourism Turn (from the 1980s): The final stage was the transformation of Kos into an international resort. The construction of a modern yacht marina, the development of promenades, and cycling infrastructure reoriented the city's economy from the agrarian sector to services and hospitality.

Architectural Mosaic: Styles and Eras

The urban fabric of Kos is the unique result of the layering of several civilizations. A special feature of the city is that after the devastating earthquake of 1933, Italian architects implemented a bold plan: they harmoniously integrated the revealed ancient ruins into the new development, creating a "museum city" concept with wide avenues and green zones.

Main Architectural Trends

In the modern appearance of the city, four key historical layers clearly stand out, defining its visual style:

• Ancient Classicism and Roman Architecture (Hellenistic — Roman Period)
  Characterized by monumentality, the use of the order system (columns, porticos), and complex engineering (thermal baths, sewage systems). Ancient quarters today represent extensive archaeological parks right in the city centre.
  Landmarks: The restored Roman villa Casa Romana with mosaic floors, the Roman Odeon, and the ruins of the Ancient Agora.
• Medieval Fortification (Era of the Knights Hospitaller)
  The style is distinguished by massive stone walls, crenellated towers, and utility. A characteristic feature in Kos is the use of "spolia" (fragments of ancient marble temples) as building material for fortress walls.
  Landmarks: Neratzia Castle, guarding the entrance to the harbour.
• Ottoman Architecture (Period of Turkish Rule)
  Brings an Eastern flair to the cityscape. This style is characterized by domed roofs, slender minarets, pointed arches, and the presence of public fountains.
  Landmarks: Defterdar Mosque on Eleftherias Square and Gazi Hasan Pasha Mosque (Loggia) next to the Tree of Hippocrates.
• Italian Rationalism and Eclecticism (1912–1943)
  The defining style of the modern administrative centre. Italian architects combined the strict lines of modernism with Venetian and Eastern elements ("Arabesques"), creating a unique "Dodecanese Colonial Style."
  Landmarks: The Municipal Market building with open arcades, the Government Palace (now the police building), and the historic hotel "Albergo Gelsomino".

Outstanding Figures in the History of Kos

The rich heritage of the island was shaped not only by conquerors but also by great thinkers, creators, and architects. Kos became the birthplace or home for people whose names are forever inscribed in world history.

• Hippocrates (c. 460 – c. 370 BC)
  Physician, philosopher, "Father of Medicine"
  The most famous native of the island. He reformed ancient medicine, separating it from mysticism and religion. It was here that he founded his school, and the works of the "Hippocratic Corpus" written by him (or his students) and the famous "Oath" became the foundation of medical ethics.
• Apelles (4th Century BC)
  Painter
  One of the most celebrated artists of antiquity, a friend of Alexander the Great. Although his birthplace is disputed, he spent a significant part of his life on Kos. It was for the local Asclepeion that he created his masterpiece—the painting "Aphrodite Anadyomene," which was later taken to Rome by Emperor Augustus.
• Philitas of Kos (c. 340 – c. 285 BC)
  Poet and scholar
  Founder of the Hellenistic school of poetry and tutor to the ruler of Egypt, Ptolemy II Philadelphus. Philitas was a key figure of the intellectual elite of his time, bringing fame to Kos as a centre of literature and education.
• Berossus (3rd Century BC)
  Babylonian historian and astronomer
  A priest of the god Bel who moved to Kos from Babylon. He opened a school of astrology and astronomy on the island, becoming an important link who transmitted the scientific knowledge of Mesopotamia to the Greeks, including information on lunar phases and sundials.
• Gazi Hasan Pasha (1713–1790)
  Ottoman Admiral and Grand Vizier
  An outstanding statesman of the Ottoman Empire. During his rule, he initiated large-scale construction on the island. Thanks to him, a majestic mosque with a loggia and public fountains appeared in the city centre, defining the look of the Plane Tree Square.
• Florestano Di Fausto (1890–1965)
  Architect and engineer
  Although he was Italian, his contribution to the history of Kos is invaluable. After the 1933 earthquake, it was Di Fausto who designed most of the landmark buildings of the new city (the market, the government palace, the archaeological museum), creating a unique architectural style combining rationalism and Eastern motifs.