Kos

Definition

Kos (Cos) is a Greek island in the south-east Aegean, part of the Dodecanese (ancient Sporades) group which prospered in antiquity due to its location on trade routes between Egypt, Syria, Cyprus, and Anatolia. Settled from the Bronze Age, the island was controlled by a long list of powers over the centuries. One of Kos' most famous sons was the celebrated physician Hippocrates, who created a school of medicine on the island in the 5th century BCE. Kos particularly flourished both politically and culturally in the 4th century BCE, after which it became a free city as part of the Roman Empire.

More about: Kos

Timeline

  • 3000 BCE - 2000 BCE
    First human presence recorded on Kos.
  • 1600 BCE - 1200 BCE
    The Mycenaean settlement of Serayia flourishes on Kos.
  • c. 480 BCE
    The Tyrant Kadmos permits the establishment of democratic government on Kos.
  • 412 BCE
    The Spartan general Astyochus sacks Kos.
  • 411 BCE
    The Athenian general Themistocles builds fortifications on Kos.
  • c. 350 BCE
    Mausolus, ruler of Caria, invades Kos.
  • c. 350 BCE
    The Ascelpeion is built on Kos.
  • c. 340 BCE
    The Greek poet and scholar Philitas is born on Kos.
  • 332 BCE
    Amphoterus, admiral of Alexander the Great, takes possession of Kos.
  • 242 BCE
    The games held in honour of Asclepius on Kos are given Panhellenic status.
  • c. 102 BCE
    Cleopatra II of Egypt sends her treasury to Kos.
  • c. 100 BCE
    Coins of Kos and Thespiai depict a lyre on their reverse side.
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