Paros
was the leader of the Arcadians, who visited the island in the
10th century BC. Before this, the island was inhabited by the
Minoans of Crete, who used it as a naval base. After the Arcadians,
the island was inhabited by the Ionians.
But
by far, the most glorious period of this island was realized
in the 8th century BC, because of its unique and superior marble.
Because of the world class quality of the marble, the island
of Paros fostered artistic creativity and was home to one of
the most famous sculptors – Scropas.
Sharing
the turbulent past that is characteristic of all Greek Islands,
the rulers of Paros were defeated by Naxians, Macedonians, Romans,
Venetians, Turks, and for 7 years Russians. In the Peloponnesian
war, Paros sided with the Persians bringing about retribution
from the Athenians.
