Mykonos History Facts and Timeline

(Mykonos, Cyclades, Greece)

Mykonos history is one of rich Greek mythology, piracy and turbulence. The island has been ruled by big powers over the eons and benefitted greatly from nearby developed islands. Tourism has come to be its main calling, as with other dazzling Aegean islands, yet it has an impressive number of historic sites to bolster its party image.

Greek gods Heracles (Hercules), Poseidon and Zeus are all said to have fought the Titans on Mykonos, according to mythology, while relics from a Neolithic tribe are known to originate from as long ago as 3000 BC.

Archaeology on the Island

More recently, archaeological finds suggest that the Ionians chose to establish communities here during the 11th century BC - the Archaeological Museum has remains from both periods, including a sculpture of Hercules. Many of the finds on display are from nearby Delos, which ultimately had a bearing on the island's early development, being something of a gateway for travellers.


The Athenians, the Macedonians and the Phoenicians all held sway during Mykonos history, although it was Alexander the Great who transformed the island into a buzzing and extremely successful commercial centre early on. Elaborate ceramics were built from the rich clay here and the agriculture and maritime industry boomed.

The Roman-Byzantine Era

The island continued to flourish under the Romans, while division of the ailing Roman Empire saw the Byzantines rule under the Theme of the Aegean Sea. Around the early tenure of the Byzantines, Mykonos continued to develop and one of its most impressive structures was built, namely the 6th-century Moni Panagias Tourlianis monastery in the village of Ano Mera. The Venetians later added carvings to the monastery, with the sublime views from the marble bell tower being another feature to savour.

The Cyclades in general drew in pirate activity and, as a result, it is said that the maze of alleyways in Hora (Mykonos Town) was created to confuse them and other potential raiders. Tourists can enjoy the alleyways today, along with the area known as Aleukantras (Little Venice) near the harbour, with its houses dating from the middle of the 1700s.

History During the Middle Ages

The rule of the Venetians in Mykonos was relatively short, with constant trouble being stirred up by the Muslim Saracens, while the invasion of the powerful Ottoman Turks followed in the 1300s. Ottoman rule imparted hardship on the natives for centuries, right up to the Greek War of Independence (between 1821 and 1832).

One of the most standout landmarks of Mykonos does, however, date from the tenure of the Turks in the 14th century - the Church of Panagia Paraportiani in Hora. Residing near Little Venice, it was 300 years in the making and is one of the most noted churches in all of Greece.

Steamships and Tourists

Mykonos declined in the 1800s and early 1900s, although the advent of the ship construction industry turned things around somewhat. Steamships would also bring in tourists, although WWII thwarted this resurrection of fortunes. The people starved under the German occupation and it wasn't until the mid-1950s that tourism rebounded.

Today, Mykonos is an Aegean hotspot, attracting myriad tourists for sun and ancient sights. However, most come for the raucous nightlife and it is also a known destination for gay tourists. Those looking to delve into Mykonos history should at least see the Folklore Museum and the iconic Kato Myli windmills.