Accordingly to the Mythology, the first inhabitants of Lesvos were the tribe of
Pelasgeans, who gave to the
island its initial name "Pelasgia". HISTORIC CHRONICLE OF LESVOS IN BRIEF
|
( Ι ) BC period |
|
3.300 - 1.000 |
Period of intellectual acme of the island |
|
1.393 - 1.184 |
Achaeans conquer the island |
|
1110 - 1100 B.C |
Aeolians conquer the island, intellectual flourish |
| 527 | Persians conquer the entire island |
| 479 | Liberation of the island, alliance with Athenians |
| 428 | Revolution against Athenians - who finally conquer Lesvos |
| 88 | Romans conquer Lesvos |
|
( Ι Ι ) AD period |
|
53 |
Apostle Paul visits Lesvos, teaching of Christianism, that becomes the formal religion of Lesvos |
|
1151 |
The island is being frequently looted by Venetian and Crusaders |
| 1354 | It is given as dowry to the Genovese Francisco Gateluzo |
| 1462 | The Ottomans conquer Lesvos |
| 1821 | Slaughter of the Lesbians by Turks as revenge for setting on fire the Turkish fleet at Eressos. |
| 1912 | Liberation of the island by the Greek |
| 1914 | Definite assignment of Lesvos to the Greek State with the Agreements of London and Athens |
| 1922 | The island accepts numerous refugees after the Asia Minor Destruction |
| 1923 | The Greek rights on the island are recognized by relative Agreements |
| 1930 - 1939 | Intellectual acme, known as "Lesvian Spring" |
Accordingly to the Mythology, the first inhabitants of Lesvos were the tribe of
Pelasgeans, who gave to the
island its initial name "Pelasgia".
During the Prehistoric age the island had been called with various names
like "Makaria", "Lassia", "Aeolis",
"Ethiope", but its final name "Lesvos" is due to
the man "Lesvos", son of the hero Lapitho, 
who came from
Thessaly with his men. Even today, place-names with mythological origin survive,
like "Mytilene", "Kalloni", "Antissa",
"Eressos", "Mithymna".
The starting-point of Lesvos' history is lost in the centuries' fog. Archaeological excavations to the island brought to light the evidence that it had been inhabited since the early Neolithic times. In 1393-1184 BC it was conquered by the Achaeans while in 1110-1100 BC by the Aeoleans, who gave to its inhabitants their civilization and language, so the island is converted in a significant civilization center of the North - Eastern Aegean Sea.
During the Archaic period ( 7th - 6th century BC ), it is not only observed
commercial and colonization activity, but flourishing cultural development as
well.
After a difficult period of taking part in Greek wars and the island's occupation from various tribes, in the year 88B.C. The Romans occupy Lesvos. A period of partial self-governing follows from the year 62B.C. till 70A.D., while during the division of the Roman Empire in Eastern and Western State, Lesvos is included in the Eastern or Byzantine State ( at the 17th Theme ).
During the Byzantine period ( 324-1453 ), Saracens, Venetian and Crusaders are frequently looting the island. In 1354 the island is given as dowry to the Genovese Francisco Gateluzo. Afterwards in the year 1462 it is occupied by the Ottomans and the economical and cultural declines.
During the period of the Turkish occupation ( 1462-1817 ), the island lives in darkness
until the year 1912 - year of its liberation by the Greek navy. Finally it
formally becomes part of the Greek State in 1923 after the signature of the
Greek-Turkish Peace Treaty.
It's worth-noticing that in the year 1922 after the Asia Minor Destruction, many refugees found shelter to the island, fact that
contributed to the development and recreation
of the island.
During the Second World War Germans occupied it from May 1941 until the
liberation in September 1944. During the period 1950-1960
many inhabitants immigrate to foreign countries ( Western Europe and America )
because of economical problems. 
The Lesvian and generally the Greek presence even though away from the home country continue till today to create and to keep its cultural unique identity.