A Comprehensive History of Tinos Island: From Antiquity to Modern Times

Tinos Island, a jewel in the Cyclades, boasts a rich and varied history, dating back to the earliest settlements. The island's strategic location and cultural significance have shaped its destiny through numerous eras.

Early Settlements and the Bronze Age:

The first inhabitants of Tinos are said to be Phrygians, Leleges, Karres, and Phoenicians, who settled along the coast and inland for protection from raids. While Neolithic (5000–3000 BC) and early Bronze Age (Protocycladic Era, 3000–2300 BC) findings are sparse compared to other Cycladic islands, evidence of habitation during the mid-Cycladic period (2300–1600 BC) exists at Vrekastro hill, the southern cape of the island, with traces of a fortified settlement. The Mycenaean Era (Late Bronze Age, 1600–1100 BC) is represented by a domed tomb discovered near Pyrgos, marking a significant archaeological find close to St. Thekla and the monastery of Lady Kseni.

The Greek Dark Ages:

During the Dark Ages (1100–900 BC), piracy forced all the Aegean islands’ coastal settlements in areas with natural barricades that had a clear line of sight of the sea. In Tinos, such a fortified settlement developed in the southwest roots of Exombourgo, where there are findings of a huge wall and in Kardiani, close to the church of St. Nicholas. The end of the Dark Ages seems to find Tinos Island at the peak of its development.

Geometric and Archaic Periods:

The Geometric Period (9th–8th centuries BC) saw Tinos influenced by Euboea and Attica, vying for control of Delos Island. During the 8th century BC, the administrative center is organized in Exombourgo, with the findings indicating a very well-organized settlement with cohesive social structure. This settlement, during the 7th century BC became Tinos Island's administrative center and capital. In 664 BC, the Athenians took control of the Shrine of Apollo in Delos Island, increasing their influence on Tinos.

In the Archaic Period (6th century BC), close ties with the Athenians led to increased maritime activity and the development of settlements around ‘Poles’ hill (today the area around the Church of Panagia Evangelistria in the town of Tinos, where an ancient trail from Tripotamos leads). The later union of these settlements led to the creation of ‘Asti’ (Tinos town), which was reinforced by the construction of a water supply reservoir by Peisistratos (549–542 BC).

Classical Period:

During the Early Classical period (5th century BC), at the beginning of the Persian Wars in 490–480 BC, Tinos is conquered by the Persians, but in 477 BC, an alliance is signed with the Athenians and gives form to a new local balance.

The Later Classical Period (4th Century BC) was an extremely difficult period for Tinos. Its administrative center is transferred from inland (Exombourgo) to the coastal zone around the two hills in the area where today the Church of Panagia Evangelistria is located. The core is created around the 'Poles' hill, and 'Asti' is fortified with a powerful wall, ruins of which remain until today. The center of 'Asti' is organized with a market, a theatre and possibly with a sanctuary of Dionysos. Despite difficulties during this period, the port of Tinos is used an in-between stop for ships heading to Delos Island, while the huge Shrine of Poseidon and Amphitrite is developed, marking a significant archaeological site in the present-day area of Kionia. From 338 BC, after the defeat of the Athenians, begins the dominance of the Macedonian generals.

Hellenistic and Roman Periods:

During the Hellenistic Period (323–30 BC), Tinos is under Macedonian and Ptolemaic rule until 244 BC, when Ptolemy the 3rd of Egypt becomes master of the Cyclades. A difficult period follows from 220 BC to 200 BC, when the Rodians with their allies, Attalos of Pergamos and the Romans, conquer many islands of the Cyclades, giving them however their autonomy. Tinos then becomes the headquarters of a confederation, whose representatives meet on the island during the celebrations for Poseidon and Dionysos.

In the Roman Years and the Late Archaic Period, after the collapse of the Macedonian state in 146 BC, Tinos becomes part of the Roman Empire, as part of the province of Asia Minor. After the destruction of Korinthos, Delos Island is proclaimed as the only trading point and is declared as commercial prominence. This small but renowned island becomes an in-between stop, with its harbors providing safety to ships sailing from Greece and Italy to Asia and Africa. This blooming of commerce in Delos is beneficial to Tinos Island.

In 88 BC, Delos is destroyed by Minofani, the general of King Mithridati VI and frequent pirate raids affected all the islands of the Aegean. In 67 BC, the Romans pursue and liberate the Greek islands from pirates. In 268 BC, after the destruction of Athens, the Heroulean raid on the Cyclades resulted in the plundering of various islands, one of which was Tinos, and the abandonment of the Shrine of Poseidon and Amphitrite.

Byzantine Period:

The Byzantine Period (337–1207 AD) was marked by cultural, demographic and economic decline of the area, pirate raids, raids by barbarian tribes, epidemics, earthquakes and the eruption of volcanoes (Santorini volcano had a major destructive eruption in 726 AD). Consequently, the coastal settlements moved towards the mainland and Exombourgo, due to its safe position, once again becomes the appropriate location for Tinos Island's capital, the first fortified medieval city of the Cyclades, Castello di Santa Elena. Other settlements from this period are Tripotamos, Karia, Kambos, Loutra, Sklavohorio, Steni, Potamia, Diohoria, Komi, Agapi and Pyrgos, which remain to this day as active, traditional villages of Tinos Island.

Venetian and Ottoman Rule:

Constantinople (Istanbul) falls to the Francs and the Venetians on April 12^th, 1204, and Tinos Island comes under the Ghisi occupation (1207–1390). During this period, colonization is observed from other parts of Greece, especially Northern Greece and the islands of the Eastern Aegean, from Crete, and from foreigners such as Venetians of Italian origin, French and Spanish.

During Venetian Occupation (1590–1715), Venetian rule in Tinos is established in 1437 and remains until the beginning of the 18th Century, when it constituted itself as a hostile wedge in the body of the Ottoman Empire (Venetian-Turkish war, 16th–17th Centuries). During this period, the residents of Tinos viciously defended themselves along with the Venetians, and the island was organized as an attack point of the Venetians in the Aegean, against the Turkish fleet. Exombourgo Castle, during this period of Turkish raids, operates as a concentration point for the inhabitants of the island. The castle is handed over to the Turkish Admiral Tzanoum Pasa in 1715, after a fierce siege and the surrender of the Venetian Commander Bernardo Bali. The official surrender of Tinos Island to the Ottoman Empire takes place in 1718.

The transition to this new regime is peaceful and the rural population from the Exombourgo Castle moves back to their villages. The old capital, however, is gradually abandoned and the castle is destroyed. The inhabitants are transferred to the current capital of Tinos Island, around the port of St. Nikolas, while gradually the settlements in the heartland of the island come alive.

During the Turkish Occupation (1715–1821), Tinians are not punished for their hostile stand against the Turks; on the contrary they are given privileges and self-administration. The Greek flame on the island of Tinos remains on its place and the Orthodox community obtains the freedom of its religious conscious. In time, the dogmatic differences between Orthodox and Catholics are also resolved, ensuring compassionate and peaceful co-existence until today.

For the period of 1771–1774, Tinos is handed over to Russia occupation, with the presence of representatives of European Forces and their relationship with Tinian citizens, gradually mobilizing the population and playing an important role in the continuation of Tinos' history.

Greek Revolution and Modern Times:

Pyrgos and Panormos are the first settlements of the Cyclades islands raising the flag of revolution. The inhabitants of the island's inland unite with them in an army that aims to free itself from Turkish rule. On January 30, 1823, the venerable Holy Icon of Virgin Mary ('Megalohari') is revealed in Tinos and the air is full of divine aromas, reinforcing the spirit of Greek Revolution.

The creation of the Hellenic State, in 1827, gives end to the insecurity and unrest of revolutionary years. The foundation of Ermoupolis on Syros Island (also the current capital of the Cyclades) and the velocity of its development at a national level, contributes to the economic and demographic of Tinos. The magnitude of the veneration of the Holy Icon of Megalohari (Virgin Mary), the intense artistic tradition and the spiritual cultivation constitutes Tinos Island's influence and makes it known throughout the Eastern area of the Mediterranean. In the northeast part of the island and the significant area of Tinos town, agriculture dominates, whereas in the northwest blooms an unprecedented to Greece artistic phenomenon, this of marble art, which transforms Tinos Island into a cradle of Neohellenic art in Greece.

The political clashes and wars of the country, during the first half of the 20th century, scar islands' life for years. It was mainly the Nazi occupation (1941–1944) and the consequent decline in agricultural products that led the residents of Tinos Island to move to Athens. However, the local economy and social cohesion, along with the tradition of Tinos Island, were gradually being restored and led Tinos into today's modern era.

20th Century and Contemporary Tinos:

From its ancient origins to its vibrant present, Tinos Island stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Cyclades. Each era has left its mark, from the remnants of ancient settlements to the majestic Venetian fortifications and the deeply rooted traditions that continue to shape the island's culture. Today, Tinos Island welcomes visitors to explore its rich history, discover its stunning landscapes, and experience the warmth of its people, offering a unique glimpse into the heart of the Aegean!

Sources:

[1] Tinos History and Civilization, Vol. A, Borough of Exombourgo, Tinos Island.

[2] Georgios Dorizas, Part I: Ancient Tinos, Part II: Medieval Tinos, Part III: Tinos during Turkish Occupation.