Tilos History

Even though the island is among the lesser-known destinations in Greece with limited facilities and attractions, the history of Tilos goes centuries back.

Ancient times

Archaeologists have discovered that Tilos was first inhabited during the Neolithic period. In antiquity, the island was well known for its perfumes and salves, which were highly valued in trade. Excavations in Charkadio Cave, located in the island's center, have revealed the fossilized bones of dwarf elephants, a unique species that roamed Tilos about 6 million years ago. These findings are now exhibited in the Museum of Dwarf Elephants in Megalo Chorio.

According to Greek mythology, the island was named after Tilos, the son of Helios, the god of the Sun. It is said that Tilos gathered therapeutic plants on the island to heal his ailing mother or wife, depending on the version of the myth, and later built a temple dedicated to Apollo, where he served as a priest. The first known inhabitants of Tilos were the Pelasgians, followed by the Minoans. By the 7th century BC, the residents of Tilos, along with those from Lindos in Rhodes, established a colony in Sicily, Italy. In the 5th century BC, Tilos became a member of the Athenian League, as did most islands in the Aegean, contributing ships and resources to Athens.

During the 4th century BC, Tilos gained independence and even minted its own coins, indicating a degree of economic prosperity. However, in the following centuries, it fell under the influence of the powerful neighboring island of Rhodes, which had established naval dominance in the region. By the 2nd century BC, Tilos was annexed by the Roman Republic, marking the beginning of Roman rule.

Medieval period

During the Byzantine period, the island became part of the Eastern Roman Empire and was fortified to protect against pirate raids.
In 1309 AD, the Knights of Saint John conquered Tilos, as they did with the rest of the Dodecanese islands. They built the Castle of Megalo Chorio to defend the island against attacks from pirates and Ottoman invaders. The Venetian period brought some prosperity but also continued conflicts, as the island was a target due to its strategic location.

In 1523, Tilos was taken over by the Ottoman Empire, which ruled for nearly 400 years. Unlike Rhodes, which became a major administrative center, Tilos remained a small and relatively isolated island. The population engaged in agriculture, fishing, and livestock breeding, maintaining a simple way of life. The Ottomans imposed heavy taxes, leading to periods of hardship.

Recent years

In the early 20th century, the island was occupied by Italy, like the rest of the Dodecanese. The Italians implemented modernization efforts, improving infrastructure, constructing buildings, and attempting to impose Italian culture and language. However, resistance to Italian rule grew, especially during World War II. In 1943, after Italy surrendered, German forces briefly occupied the island before British troops liberated it in 1945.

In 1948, Tilos, along with the rest of the Dodecanese, officially became part of Greece. However, the mid-20th century brought economic struggles, leading many inhabitants to migrate to Rhodes, Athens, or abroad in search of better opportunities. Those who remained continued to rely on agriculture, livestock breeding, and fishing.

Today, Tilos is a small and remote island with a population of about 500 residents. Although it remains relatively undeveloped compared to other Greek islands, it has gained recognition for its commitment to sustainable development. It became the first energy-self-sufficient island in Greece, using renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power. Tourism, though limited, now plays a role in the local economy, attracting visitors who seek peaceful vacations, historical sites, and unspoiled nature.