General Information
General Information about Chios island
History
The first inhabitants reached Chios island in 6000 to 2000 B.C, according to archeological findings. Tradition says that the first king of the island was Enopion, son of Dionysos and Ariadne. Besides, Jason, the well-known mythological hero, passed by Chios during his legendary journey to Frygia.
Mastic (Masticha)
Mastic (mastiha) of Chios is an aromatic resin (gum) obtained from the mastic tree. Although mastic trees grow in many Mediterranean countries, they produce little or no mastic, except for those of south Chios.
Famous Chians
Chios was the motherland of many politicians, artists and intellectuals of modern and ancient times. Some famous Chians are:
Alexandros Mavrokordatos (1641 - 1709). He was a famous doctor and diplomat of the 17th century. His great-grandson, also named Alexandros Mavrokordatos was a famous policitian and later prime minister of Greece.