12. Emporio

The archaeological site, which includes the settlement from the 8th c. B.C., lies at the top of the Profitis Ilias hill, at the northern side of the port. Choosing this site had strategic importance, as it is a fertile region, protected by a calm port and it offers visibility towards the coast of Asia Minor and the islands of Ikaria and Samos. The excavations conducted by the British Archaeological School during 1952-1955 unearthed the prehistoric settlement and numerous mobile finds. The entrance to the site lies at the route connecting Emporio to Komi and you can find the relevant signs to enter the site. It welcomes its visitors daily, except for Tuesdays, from 8.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. in winter and from 8.30 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. in summer.

The settlement and the Acropolis discovered north of the port date to the 8th century B.C., at Homer’s time, while their architecture and organization allude to Homeric descriptions. At the hilltop lies the Acropolis, with its fortifying wall which is still preserved at some points, the sanctuary of Athena and the Megaron, which was the residence of the official ruler and the settlement’s administrative center. The sanctuary was dedicated to Athena Polias and the open-air altar of the 8th c. B.C. was used to receive sacrifices. The settlement was created outside the Acropolis, on the steep hillside – ruins from 50 houses were retrieved. The richer houses were single-space areas, following the Megaron type, meaning with a large and comfortable main room and 2 or 3 columns supporting the roof. This settlement had all the social and political features of that period, as described by Homer.

At around 800 B.C., Chios was ruled by Hector, one of the first leaders of the island. He imposed his authority on local officials and included Chios to the so-called Koinon of the Ionians, or the Ionian League or the Ionian Dodecapolis (Twelve Cities), meaning an organization including the 12 most powerful cities of the Ionians. The historic record of the name Hector must not be considered random and researchers have concluded towards two theories. According to the first, the king was named Hector from the pre-existing Mycenaean traditions that survived on the island. According to the second theory, Homer called his hero and prince of Troy by that name, as he was inspired by the name of the King of Chios, Hector. .