SAMOS

The island of Samos in the Eastern Aegean is the renowned birthplace of Pythagoras the mathematician, Aristarchos the astronomer and Epikouros the philosopher. It flourished in antiquity, especially under the tyrant Polycrates, and was also famous for its wines. Samos was home to one of the most important ancient Greek sanctuaries, the Heraion. Another UNESCO listed site, the Eupalinian Aqueduct, ran 1,036 metres through the mountainside to bring water to the ancient city of Samos. In the late Byzantine period, Samos came under Genovese rule, before eventually falling to the Ottomans. In 1835, it was given semi-autonomous status under Ottoman suzerainty and was united with Greece in 1912. Today, the island continues to produce its prized wines and is popular among tourists for its lush forests, important archaeological sites, picturesque villages and stunning beaches.