Syros
is situated in the middle of the group of islands called the Cyclades. Other
islands nearby (from northeast to south) are Andros, Tinos, Mykonos, Naxos,
(from southwest to west) Sifnos, Serifos, Kythnos and Kea, and Yaros on the
north. The northern part of the island is mountainous, while the southern part
is relatively flat. Most villages and organized beaches are to be found here.
The Phoenicians were the first inhabitants of the island. Syros is mentioned in Homer's Odyssey as "Syrii" and is said to have had two cities Posidonia and Phoeniki. The name Syros is probably a derivation from one of the Phoenician words "ousyra" (prosperous) or "syr" (rock).
Archaeological excavations have brought to light various objects and other traces of human life from the Bronze age (4000 - 3000 BC). In the areas of Kastri and Chalandriani graves and organized settlements from the early Cycladic period (about 3000 BC) were discovered. At that time the so called Syros- Keros civilization was developed, which flourished until about 2000 BC. In ancient times Syros was a member of the Athenian alliance. Philosopher Pherekydes, teacher of Pythagoras and inventor of the heliotrope, lived in Syros at that time. The cave he used to live in can still be found in Ano Meria (the northern part of the island).
As most of the Aegean islands, Syros has suffered from pirate raids for many centuries. Due to that fact most settlements were built on hilltops for protection. The island has been inhabited by Phoenicians, Cretans, Ionians, Athenians, Romans, Byzantines, Venetians and Turks. The Venetian influence can still be seen on the island in the midieval city of Ano Syros and its towering church dedicated to Saint George.
Syros reached the height of its prosperity after the Greek revolution of 1821. People who had revolted against the ottomans arrived to Syros from various parts of Greece as refugees. In a short period of time they developed the wonder of Hermoupolis which soon became a great commercial center and the most important port of the Eastern Medditerranean. In 1823 the first Greek hospital is founded here. In 1833 the first Greek Gymnasium is founded by Neofytos Vamvas, and a few years later Elefterios Venizelos will be one of its students. Many shipyards are founded, and about 2,000 workers manage to build up to 80 ships per year. The first Greek steamship is built in Syros in 1854.
At the same time, banking and insurance market is developed. After 1855 industry flourishes, especially tanning, soap manufacturing, iron works, grinding, textile works etc. The city continues to flourish until the end of the 19th century and by that time about 30,000 people live here. But from that point onward the changes in the sea commerce lead to the decline of the islands' economy.
Nowadays Syros is the local administration centre of Cyclades as well as an important trade centre.
