Syros Geographical & Historical Outline
Syros is the most densely populated island in the Cyclades.
The capital, Ermoupolis, is also the capital of the prefecture of the Cyclades and an administrative, commercial and cultural center.
The island has an elongated shape and is broader in the south, which is also the most fertile region.
It has an area of 84 square kilometers.
The highest peak of the island is Pyrgos (442 meters).
Syros Geographical & Historical Outline
HISTORY
Archaeological finds on Syros have shown that it was an important center of Cycladic civilization.
The name Syros has a Phoenician root, and together with the village of Finikas on the south-west coast, is strong evidence that the island was a Phoenician colony.
About 1000 BC, it was colonized by Ionians.
During the Persian wars, Syros fought by the side of Athens and was a part of the Athenian League.
In the years that came, Syros was conquered by Macedonians, Romans and Byzantines.
During the Venetian period, the Venetians built and fortified Ano Syros and spread the Catholic faith throughout the island.
In 1566 it became subject to the Turks, who granted its inhabitants many administrative privileges.
These, and the support of Venice and France, made the island an important commercial center.
During the time of the Greek War of Independence of 1821, the island was under French command and kept a neutral position.
In 1823 was built in Ermoupolis the first Hospital of Greece.