Paros - Through The Centuries
A Brief History of Paros, Greece
With a legacy stretching back to the 32nd century BC, Paros stands as one of the oldest continuously inhabited islands in the Cyclades. Its strategic location and fertile landscape made it an early settlement hub in the Aegean. Historical evidence suggests the Minoans were among the first to colonize the island, naming it Minoa—a title shared by other islands in their maritime network.
Ancient Prosperity and Parian Marble
By the 8th century BC, Paros had become a powerful maritime state, actively trading with the Phoenicians and establishing colonies on neighboring islands. However, the island’s true claim to fame was its extraordinary Parian marble, quarried from Mount Marathi. This flawless white stone was prized across the ancient world for its translucency and purity. It was used in some of antiquity’s most iconic works, including the Medici Venus, the Nike of Samothrace, and even the roof tiles of the Parthenon.
Hellenistic to Roman Rule
After the death of Alexander the Great, Paros came under the control of the Ptolemaic dynasty of Egypt, as did many Aegean islands. This period of Hellenistic rule ended when the Romans annexed the Ptolemaic kingdom in 30 BC, absorbing Paros into the Roman Empire. The island remained under Roman governance until 395 AD, when control passed to the Byzantine Empire.
During the Byzantine era, Christianity flourished on the island. Numerous churches and monasteries were constructed, most notably the Panagia Ekatontapiliani (“Church of 100 Doors”) in Parikia. Today, this cathedral is considered one of the most significant early Christian monuments in all of Greece.
Venetian and Ottoman Periods
The Byzantine Empire began to fragment following the Fourth Crusade, which culminated in the sacking of Constantinople in 1204 AD. Although the Byzantines eventually regained the city in 1261, they had lost many of their territories—including Paros. In 1207, Paros was absorbed into the Duchy of the Archipelago, a Venetian-controlled alliance of Aegean islands.
In 1537, Ottoman forces captured Paros. Unlike other parts of the empire, Ottoman influence on the island remained relatively superficial, focusing mainly on tax collection. This allowed many local traditions and architectural features to survive.
Modern Paros: From Agriculture to Tourism
Paros remained under Ottoman rule until the Greek War of Independence in 1821. After the war and the signing of the Treaty of Constantinople in 1832, Paros officially joined the newly established Greek state. Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, Paros was a modest, agrarian island, with locals engaged in fishing, olive oil production, and the cultivation of grapes, grains, and potatoes. The famous marble quarries had ceased operations, and the island entered a quieter phase in its history. It wasn’t until the 1980s that Paros began attracting international tourists, initially as a hidden gem for budget-conscious backpackers looking for alternatives to Mykonos or Santorini. Since then, the island has evolved into a thriving Greek island destination, offering a diverse mix of accommodations, dining experiences, and cultural activities, while still maintaining its authentic Cycladic charm.
