The history of Thassos

Thassos has been inhabited since 10,000 BC, with eras of remarkable prosperity, such as the Archaic period, thanks to its gold and marble mines. Officially united with Greece in 1912, Thassos today is a popular tourist destination.

Thassos across time: From the Paleolithic Era to the present

The history of Thassos starts way back during the Paleolithic era. In those times, when sea levels were lower, Thassos wasn’t an island like today but rather a peninsula of what’s now the Kavala region on the mainland. Although found artifacts hint at human habitation from that era, the oldest uncovered settlement dates back to the 6th millennium BC. Even today, you can see layers of its stone paving, foundations, and wall remnants near Limenaria. The history of Thassos isn’t just something you read about; it’s something you can literally touch!

Greek mythology of Thassos, the island, starts with Thassos, the man whose origin story is linked with the legends of the Greek Gods. Thassos was either the son or grandson of King Agenor of Phoenicia. When Zeus transformed into a bull and abducted Europe, King Agenor’s daughter, the king sent his sons, Cadmus, Phoenix, and Cilix, as well as Thassos, on an urgent mission. Their task? Find their sister and don’t return without her! But Zeus, as a trickster, had whisked Europe away to Crete, a place where no one would find her. She bore him three sons there – Minos, Rhadamanthus, and Sarpedon.

Thassos was roaming the world for his lost sister, but his hopes dwindled with each passing day. Eventually, he found himself on an island that would come to bear his name. Enchanted by the island’s natural beauty and abundant mineral wealth, he decided to stay. His name lives on, making every wave that crashes onto the island’s shores echo the legend of his story.

Thassos also had a few other names, each reflecting its unique qualities. Some sources mention it was called “Aeria” or “Aithria,” referring to its temperate climate and cool winds. But the glint of wealth was also part of its identity, leading to the name “Chryse” (Golden), a nod to its famous gold mines, as the ancient historian Herodotus reported. These mines weren’t ordinary for their time – they were ancient underground mines arranged in horizontal layers, believed to be among the earliest in Europe if not the entire world!

But gold isn’t the only treasure that Thassos has to offer. This island was – and still is – well-known for its stunning white marble. Aliki quarry, for example, functioned for an impressive 1200 years (up until the 6th century AD), bringing abundant wealth to the island. Today, most of it lies submerged and serves as a tourist attraction. Imagine standing where the famous Kasta Tomb in Amphipolis got part of its marble from. Even the bases of the Caryatids found in this tomb were made from the marble mined here.

In archaic times, Thassos was under the rule of the Ionians from the Island of Paros, led by Telesicles, fulfilling a prophecy from the Delphic Oracle. According to this prophecy, Telesicles was destined to travel to Thassos and establish a city that could be seen from everywhere. Given the radiant appearance of Thassian marble, it’s possible that this city did indeed stand out from a great distance. The 7th century BC marked a monumental development for Thassos, where the city-state was constructed with towering walls, and economic prosperity was flourishing.

Fast forward to the Classical and Hellenistic era, the island allied with Athens. This pact was destined to change when Athens developed a keen interest in exploiting the Pangaion mines, which were under the control of the Thassians. The island was swept up in shifting alliances involving the Athenians, Spartans, and Romans, which resulted in extensive development and prosperity for Thassos until the 4th century AD.

In the years following the classical and Hellenistic eras, Thassos faced multiple invasions until the island’s unification with the Byzantine Empire. Then, during Ottoman rule, the island was known as Taşoz. Almost all the inhabitants were relocated to Constantinople at the end of the Venetian-Turkish war. Those who remained on Thassos took refuge in the island’s mountainous areas to escape from coastal pirate raids.

About 100 years before Thassos became part of the Greek nation, the island was granted to Sultan Mehmet Ali, the Vizier of Egypt. During this period, the inhabitants enjoyed privileges such as tax exemptions, thanks to the Vizier’s fondness for the island. Thassos’ ultimate liberation came in 1912, led by Admiral Pavlos Kountouriotis. 

Later on, Thassos served as a naval base for the Allies during World War I, and during World War II, it was ceded, along with Samothrace, to the Bulgarian state. Following the end of the war, Thassos saw its liberation. Today, the island is experiencing significant tourist and cultural growth, all while preserving its natural beauty and the monuments of its long history.

Among the historical attractions you can visit is the Acropolis of Thassos, located at the archaeological site of Limenas, along with the Ancient Theatre and the Evraiokastro. For a journey into the history of the “Emerald Island,” visit the Archaeological Museum of Thassos, which covers an area of 2376 square meters and includes exhibits dating back to the 7th century BC. Additionally, the island boasts Christian monuments, such as the Holy Monastery of the Dormition of Theotokos (Dormition of Mother Mary) near Skala Marion and the Holy Temple of Saint Athanasios in the village of Kastro

So much history and beauty are waiting to be explored on this captivating place, the emerald island of Thassos!

Architectural points of interest

Discover the mountain villages of Thassos with their unique architecture, narrow cobblestone alleys, squares shaded by plane trees, and impressive churches!

Τraveler’s guide

Explore Thassos through the most comprehensive island travel guide. Unearth secret routes, hidden beaches, and unique points of interest.

Make your booking

Plan your vacation in Thassos. Book your accommodation, find restaurants, rent a vehicle, choose an outdoor activity, and create unforgettable Thassos vacation experiences!

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