Milos history

Ancient Roots and Legends

The history of Milos dates back to deep antiquity, making it one of the earliest centres of civilisation in the Cyclades. Archaeological findings confirm that people inhabited this territory as early as the Neolithic period (approx. 7000 BC). The most important prehistoric settlement was the city of Phylakopi, which flourished during the Bronze Age and was rebuilt three times after destruction.

According to mythology, the island received its name in honour of its first settler — the hero Milos, who, according to legend, was sent here by the goddess Aphrodite (Venus). This symbolically resonates with the famous statue found here thousands of years later.

Key Factors of Formation

The transformation of Milos into a significant ancient centre was driven by a unique combination of natural and geographical conditions:

• Geological Wealth: The volcanic origin of the island provided its inhabitants with valuable resources. The main treasure of antiquity was obsidian — an ultra-strong volcanic glass, which, prior to the advent of metals, was used to manufacture cutting tools and weapons throughout the Mediterranean.
• Natural Harbour: A vast bay formed within the volcano's caldera served as one of the safest and most convenient harbours in the Aegean Sea, attracting seafarers and merchants.
• Dorian Influence: Around 1000 BC, the island was settled by Dorians from Laconia (Sparta), which defined the political structure and independent character of the local polis in the classical era.

Early Culture and Economy

The economy of early Milos was built not only on obsidian mining but also on the export of sulphur, alum, and other minerals. This wealth allowed for the development of high culture. Local craftsmen were renowned for a unique style of pottery (the famous "Melian vases") and sculpture. By the Archaic period, Milos was already a prosperous city-state, minting its own currency and actively participating in pan-Hellenic life.

Major Historical Milestones

• Approx. 7000 BC — The beginning of active mining and export of obsidian, turning the island into a crucial trading centre of the Neolithic era.
• Approx. 2300–1100 BC — The flourishing of the city of Phylakopi, one of the main settlements of the Cycladic civilisation during the Bronze Age.
• Approx. 1000 BC — Settlement of the island by Dorians from Sparta, who brought their customs and political system.
• 416 BC — The capture of Milos by Athenian troops during the Peloponnesian War, becoming a turning point in the island's ancient history.
• Approx. 130–100 BC — Creation of the famous marble statue of Aphrodite (Venus de Milo), which became a symbol of ancient art.
• 1st Century AD — Construction of the grand Roman theatre and the creation of extensive Christian catacombs, the oldest in Greece.
• 1207 — The island becomes part of the Venetian Duchy of the Archipelago under the rule of Marco Sanudo.
• 1566 — Transition under the control of the Ottoman Empire, during which residents retained significant autonomy and religious freedom.
• 8 April 1820 — The accidental discovery of the Venus de Milo statue by a local farmer near the ruins of the ancient city.
• 1830 — Official inclusion of Milos into the independent Greek state according to the London Protocol.
• 20th Century — Development of the mining industry and the emergence of the island as a popular tourist resort.

Main Stages of Development

The history of Milos is a series of transformations from a centre of obsidian mining to an important sea port and a modern industrial-tourism cluster. The key stages of the island's development defined its current architectural appearance and economic structure.

• Ancient Urbanisation and the Construction of Klima
  In the Classical and Hellenistic periods, the main city moved down to the sea, in the area of modern-day Klima. Monumental structures were erected here, including the surviving Ancient Theatre and powerful fortress walls. This consolidated Milos's status as a developed polis with high culture and urban planning.
• Creation of Christian Catacombs (1st–5th Centuries AD)
  The construction of an extensive network of underground galleries turned the island into a crucial religious centre of early Christianity. This is a unique monument of engineering thought of that time, serving as both a place of worship and a necropolis, highlighting the spiritual significance of the city in the Roman era.
• Venetian Development and the Founding of Plaka (13th Century)
  With the arrival of the Venetians, the centre of life shifted to the hilltop for protection against pirates. The fortress of Kastro was built, and the current capital, Plaka, was founded. This changed the urban structure: narrow streets and dense buildings became the model of Cycladic defensive architecture.
• Era of Consulates and Maritime Trade (17th–18th Centuries)
  Thanks to its huge safe bay, Milos became the main anchorage for ships in the Aegean Sea. During this period, consulates of leading European powers opened here, and locals mastered the profession of maritime pilots. This led to economic prosperity and the introduction of Western cultural traditions into the daily life of the islanders.
• Mining Revolution (from the late 19th Century)
  The beginning of large-scale industrial mining of minerals (manganese, sulphur, and later bentonite and perlite) radically changed the island's economy. Loading bridges, mines, and processing plants were built, making Milos an industrial centre of the Cyclades, independent of agriculture.
• Cultural Resonance of 1820
  The discovery of the statue of Aphrodite (Venus de Milo) and its subsequent transfer to France attracted the attention of the entire enlightened world to the island. This event forever inscribed the name of Milos in the history of world art and became an important factor in shaping its tourism brand in the future.
• Development of Tourism Infrastructure (Late 20th Century)
  The gradual reorientation of part of the economy towards tourism led to the improvement of coastal villages such as Pollonia and Adamas. Unique geological formations (such as the lunar landscapes of Sarakiniko) became protected attractions, turning former quarries and wild shores into popular recreational zones.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The architecture of Milos is a unique fusion of classical Cycladic aesthetics, Venetian fortification architecture, and unique "garage" settlements that have no analogues on other Greek islands. The urban development of the island was dictated by two factors: protection from pirates in the Middle Ages and connection with the sea during periods of peace.

Eras and Styles

The appearance of the island was formed over millennia, leaving layers of various cultures and styles:

• Ancient Period (Hellenistic and Roman Eras):
  The centre of urban planning was the area of modern-day Klima and Tripiti. Characteristic features include monumentality and the use of natural terrain. The main monument of this era is the Ancient Theatre, carved into the rock overlooking the bay. It demonstrates the skill of ancient engineers in integrating architecture into the landscape. The famous Catacombs also belong to this period — an example of early Christian underground architecture.
• Middle Ages and Venetian Rule (13th–16th Centuries):
  During this period, architecture acquired a defensive character. The style can be described as "Fortified Cycladic". People moved from the coast to the highlands. A vivid example is the Kastro district in Plaka. Houses here were built close to each other, forming an external defensive wall, and streets were designed as labyrinths to confuse invaders.
• Folk Architecture (19th Century — Present):
  Classic Cycladic style: cubic forms, whitewashed walls, flat roofs for collecting rainwater, and small windows for protection against heat and wind. Unlike Santorini, there are fewer domes here, but more functional simplicity.
• Island Neoclassicism (19th Century):
  With the creation of the Greek state and the founding of the port of Adamas (in 1835 by refugees from Crete), elements of neoclassicism entered the architecture: symmetry, decorative pediments, window framing, and the use of ochre in decoration. This is noticeable in public buildings and mansions in Plaka and Adamas.

A Unique Phenomenon: Syrmata

The calling card of Milos, distinguishing it from other islands, are the syrmata. These are traditional fishermen's dwellings, hollowed out in the soft volcanic rock right at the water's edge.

• Functionalism: The ground floor (boathouse) served as a garage for the boat in winter, protecting it from storms, while the upper floor (if present) was used for living or storing gear.
• Colour Code: The wooden doors of the syrmata are always painted in bright, contrasting colours (red, blue, yellow, green) so that the fisherman could recognise his home from the sea from afar.
• Where to See: The best ensembles of this architecture have been preserved in the villages of Klima, Mandrakia, and Fyropotamos.

Industrial Heritage

A special niche is occupied by the industrial architecture of the late 19th — early 20th century. The abandoned sulphur mines in Paliorema (Thiorichia) represent an open-air museum. Stone arches, loading bridges, and remnants of factory buildings, inscribed into the red rocks, create an atmospheric and slightly surreal landscape, reminiscent of a film set.

Ancient World and Mythology

• Milos (Hero) — Mythological Founder. According to legend, he was the first inhabitant of the island, sent here by the goddess Aphrodite. It was in his honour that the island received its name, which symbolically links the history of the place with the cult of the goddess of love.
• Diagoras of Melos (5th Century BC) — Ancient Greek Poet and Philosopher. One of the most famous figures of antiquity, originally from Milos. He went down in history as "Diagoras the Atheist" for his open criticism of the Olympian gods and the Eleusinian Mysteries. He is considered one of the first theorists to question established religious beliefs in history.
• Alexandros of Antioch (2nd Century BC) — Sculptor. Although not a native of the island, his name is inextricably linked with Milos. He is considered the most likely author of the famous statue of Venus de Milo (Aphrodite) found on the island. His signature was discovered on the plinth, which was later lost.

Medieval Era

• Marco Sanudo (approx. 1153–1227) — Venetian Nobleman and Conqueror. Founder of the Duchy of the Archipelago, who included Milos in Venice's sphere of influence in 1207. It was under his rule and that of his successors that the fortified Kastro district in Plaka was built, defining the architectural appearance of the capital.

History of the Discovery of Venus de Milo

• Yorgos (Theodoros) Kentrotas (19th Century) — Greek Farmer. The man who accidentally discovered the statue of Venus de Milo on 8 April 1820 while searching for building stones near the ruins of the ancient theatre. His find forever changed the fate of the island, making it famous throughout the world.
• Olivier Voutier (1796–1877) — French Naval Officer and Amateur Archaeologist. He was on the island at the time the statue was discovered. He was the first to appreciate the artistic significance of Kentrotas's find and convinced French diplomats of the need to immediately acquire the masterpiece for the Louvre.
• Jules Dumont d'Urville (1790–1842) — French Navigator and Explorer. As a young officer, he played a key role in the negotiations for the purchase of the Venus de Milo and the organisation of its transport to France, describing the circumstances of the find in detail in his reports.

Culture and Art

• Antonis Katinaris (1931–1999) — Composer and Musician. A renowned Greek bouzouki performer and songwriter in the "Rebetiko" style. A native of Milos, he made a significant contribution to the popularisation of Greek folk music in the mid-20th century.