The Roman and Byzantine Years

In the 2nd century BC the Romans take over the island of Lesvos. At the same time they recognise the independence of the large islands in the Aegean amongst them Lesvos. Commercial ties are developed with Asia Minor. In 167 BC the city of Antissa is destroyed by the Roman General Laveona when the island assisted the Macedonean King Persea. The whole population of the city is transferred to Mythemna.

In 88 BC Lesvos attempts to defect from the Romans without success. In 66 BC the Roman General Pompeios re-establishes the trust of the Romans on Mytilene in the form of an alliance. The cities of the island sign frendship agreements amongst themeselves and establish relationships with the cities in Asia Minor until the 3rd century BC.

In 124 AD the emperor of Rome Adrian visits Lesvos and grants the island many privileges. At the start of the 3rd century AD the aqueduct of Moria is built. In 297 AD Lesvos is transferred to the East Roman Empire and Byzantine.

In 326 AD Konstantinople is build by Konstantine the Great. In the 8th century AD the archbishop of Crete Saint Andreas stops in Eressos where he dies on his return from Konstantinople. In the 9th century AD the island suffers constant attacks by pirates. In 802 AD Irene the Athenean is sent in exile to the island of Lesvos where she dies. In 884 AD Saint Simeon also dies on the island whilst in exile.

In the 10th century AD and according to tradition pirates attack the monasteri of Taxiarhon in Mantamados where they kill 18 monks. One of the monks Gabriel escapes the masacre and with the help of the Taxiarhe he terorises the pirates. The pirates are forced to leave the area. Gabriel then creates the icon of Taxiarhe from the soil and blood of the killed monks.

In the 9th centrury AD, Lesvos is attacked by Arabs, Russians and Saracen pirates. In 1,100 AD the monasteri of Saint John or monasteri of Ipsilou is built.

In the middle of 13th century AD the island is attacked by Turks and Venetians.

In 1,354 AD Frangiskos Gattelouzos helps John the E! to reclaim the throne of Byzantium. The emperor gives him Lesvos as a present in recognition of his assistance. The Genovese fund the plantation of olive trees on the island, one golden coin per tree. With the Dynasty of Gattelousi starts an age of prosperity for the island.

The 15th century is a century of piracy and destrution for the island. In 1450 AD Kalloni is destroyed by the Turks. In 1,462 AD the Dynasty of Gattellouzi reaches its end the the island falls to the Turks.