Classical period (5th-4th century BC)

In the 5th century BC Kos began to emerge as an important urban centre, at which time the island was settled by the Dors. Kos gradually established a strong position within the Greek world thanks to its strategic location and its harbour, which enabled trade with Asia Minor, mainland Greece and other areas. Agriculture, especially wine and olive cultivation, developed.

During the classical period, Kos was part of the Athenian Naval Association and was involved in the conflicts of the Persian and Peloponnesian wars. At the same time, however, its membership of the federation provided it with protection and economic growth. In 366 BC a new capital was founded on the island, which was carefully planned on the model of Hippodamus of Miletus, one of the first urban planners. The city had a rectangular plan and included wide streets, public buildings, temples and an agora.

During this period, Kos became famous as the birthplace of Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine. Hippocrates, who lived and taught there, founded a school of medicine on the island which became famous throughout the ancient world. His teachings and medical practices had a major influence on the development of medicine and his legacy is still remembered on Kos today. The name of Hippocrates is also associated with the famous healing temple of Asclepion, where the doctor practiced and passed on his knowledge to his medical colleagues and students.

Hellenistic period (4th - 1st century BC)

The island of Kos formed part of the Macedonian Empire of Alexander the Great. After the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC, Kos came under the control of the Ptolemies, the dynasty that ruled Egypt. Under their rule, Kos became an important cultural and scientific centre. The island hosted important scientists, artists and philosophers, contributing to the spread of Hellenistic culture.

The famous Asclepieion, a healing temple dedicated to the god of medicine, Asclepius, was greatly expanded at this time. The Asklépiéion was not only a place of treatment, but also a school where students learned Hippocratic medicine and became renowned physicians. The Asclepion became one of the most important medical centres of antiquity, and the Kos school of medicine, which was renowned for its empirical approach and advanced surgical techniques, also achieved great fame.

Kos also excelled in art and architecture. The city of Kos was famous for its temples, theatres and other public buildings. The Agora, the center of social and commercial life, was filled with stalls, shops, and temples dedicated to various gods.

Roman period (1st century BC - 4th century AD)

In 82 BC, Kos came under Roman rule and became part of the Roman province of Asia. The island retained its importance as a cultural and commercial centre during the Roman era. The Romans further developed the island, constructing new buildings, including the Roman Odeon, a theatre used for musical and theatrical performances. Roman rule brought prosperity to Kos, especially through trade in wine, olive oil and other agricultural products.

The island was also an important centre of learning. The tradition of the medical school founded by Hippocrates continued here. Many Roman physicians studied on Kos and some of them later became personal physicians to the emperors.

In the late Roman period, especially in the 3rd and 4th centuries AD, Kos, like the rest of the empire, faced economic and political challenges. Nevertheless, the island retained its importance. With the spread of Christianity, the first churches began to be built on the island, although traditional cults, especially that of Asclepius, persisted for some time.

The Roman period on Kos formally ended with the division of the Roman Empire in 395 AD, when the island became part of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire. However, Roman influence on the island's culture, architecture and society continued long afterwards.

Sights

The ancient period on Kos is characterised by the flourishing of culture, science and trade. The island became an important centre of learning that influenced the whole ancient world. The legacy of this period is still evident today in many archaeological sites, most of which are located in or near the capital of Kos. Many artefacts found during excavations are on display at the Archaeological Museum of Kos.

Asklepion - The Asklépiéion was a healing temple dedicated to the god of medicine, Asklepios. It was probably founded in the 5th century BC and expanded in the following centuries. It became one of the most important medical centres in the ancient world, serving as a school for treating patients and as a school of medicine, where Hippocrates, for example, taught.

Ancient City of Kos - The remains of the ancient city have been preserved, including parts of the city walls and the ancient harbour, and there are remains of e.g. piers and warehouses. A Gymnasium was also built in the capital during the Hellenistic period.

Agora - The Agora on Kos served as the main commercial and public centre of the ancient city. It was built during the Classical and Hellenistic periods (ca. 4th to 3rd centuries BC) and included temples, shops, and other public buildings. Its importance continued during the Roman period, when it was expanded and modified.

Casa Romana - Casa Romana is a reconstructed Roman villa that dates from between the 1st and 3rd centuries AD. This opulent urban residence has magnificent mosaics and frescoes and provides a glimpse into the life of the upper classes of Roman society on Kos.

Roman Odeon - The Roman Odeon was built in the 2nd century AD and was used as a venue for musical and theatrical performances. It is a small but well-preserved theatre with a capacity of several hundred spectators. The Odeon was an important part of the cultural life of the city during the Roman era.