The oldest myth mentioning Syra is the legend of Corianos mentioned  in an Archilochean inscription. Reference there is made to the like-named king of the island whose home land is disputed, that he was shipwrecked off the coast of Paronaxia and salvaged riding the back of a dolphin that carried him to Syra. Homer after all in his ‘Odyssey’ and particularly in the story of the swineherd Eumaios to Ulysses supplies us with facts on some island “Syriēn” (‘Συρίην’), where Ktesios Ormenides, the swineherd’s father reigned. From the narration it becomes evident that there was a great Phoenician influence on the island during the early geometric age.
The first signs of life unearthed by the archaeological research date back to the end of the Neolithic Period and the Early Copper Age (4000-3000 B.C.). The locations that have been inhabited during this age is the Chondra peninsula and the location Koskinas of the Vari area, as well as the location Agia Thekla over the village Chrousa. Later traces of human presence have been discovered in Sa Michalis of Apano Meria, until we reach the eminent period of the Cycladic Civilisation (3200-2000 B.C.). From 2800 to 2300 B.C. the well-known ‘Syros-Keros’ Civilization reaches high levels of development in the areas of the island Chalandriani and Kastri of the Apano Meria, The findings reveal elements of a form of life of farmer-stock breeders and fishermen, with intense cultural creation and constantly increasing  relations with the outside world through the  naval presence of the inhabitants of the island in the Aegean region, which gave rise to the development of craft industry and trade. With the end of the Geometric era on which evidence is given to us only by Homer, Syra is forming its Ionian personality.
The relations of the island with cities of Ionia are regarded as certain especially with Samos during the ancient times (classical era). During this period the philosopher Pherecydes (theologian, physicist, and astronomer) was born in Syros, of the precursors of Presocratic thought, who according to tradition invented the heliotrope (‘heliotropion’, a type of gnomon indicating the solar time of the day) in a like-named cave in the northern part of the island.
In archaic Syra, as archaeological researche concludes, there must have been two towns, in the areas of Ermoupoli (at the location of the Koimissi tis Theotokou Churh) and Galissas (location of Agia Pakou) respectively. The latter polis probably named Galēssos constituted a separate ‘dēmos’ (municipality) with independent local institutions. These cities stayed on during the Classical and Hellenistic age; in parallel, however, there was a simultaneous wave of inhabitants moving towards the countryside seeking permanent settlement there. Towards the end of the classical period during which Syra is a member of the First and Second Athenian Alliance, the defence of the island is organised with the construction of towers and observatories in crucial strategic locations. In this period there was a ‘Voulē’ (Parliament) in the island, as well as signs of tribal structuration of the Syrians based on the Athenian model. There was also an ‘Asclēpieion’ (hospital) and a ‘Nomismatokopeion’ (mint).
Syra of the Hellenistic age is developing commercial relations with Dēlos, its harbour being in full activity, and the Syrian coins are being circulated throughout the wider area even to Syria until the end of the 2nd century B.C. In the same period, the second town Galēssos is abandoned and the area of Ermoupoli becomes the focal point of the island.
The ensuing Roman dominion contributes to the prosperity of the island and the significance of the harbour as a trade centre.
The end of the ancient world finds life in the island returning to the countryside, a fact  to which the settlements of the 3rd century A.D. in the inland bear witness. In the 4th century it is now Christian (this is verified by the sustained manuscript evidence by the bishop Eirenaios, -307 A.D.), and is faced with the uncertainties and the calamities of the Byzantine era. For the following 900 years the continual pirate invasions which are rampant throughout the Aegean are a basic feature. Saracenes, Arabs, and Slavs condemn the island to introversion and oblivion. The only inhabited location visible from the sea is the rock of what we call Ano Syra. The establishment of this naturally fortified settlement of the Syrian people, who are being persecuted by the  invasions, takes place in the beginning of the 9th century A.D.. A part of the Byzantine Aegean was under the church juridiction of the Delos episcopate and at  a later date of the Athens episcopate. With the abolition of Byzantium by the Franks, Syra comes under Enetian rule and is included along with most of the islands to the Duchy of the Aegean in 1207. The Enetians attempted to impose the feudal administrative-economic system but failed to succeed. Catholicism prevails and is espoused by the Syrians, but   the Greek language, mores, and customs  were all sustained intact and in full life. The years of Enetocracy are marked by constant conflicts between various Frank leaders competing for the rule over the islands. A case in point for Syros is its 1286 siege by the Duke of Tinos, Vartholomaios Gyzis.
When the Turks became dominant in the Aegean in 1537 Syra is seized. The Turkish rule over the island was always restricted in collecting taxes, and simultaneously self-government starts being developed. The inhabitants of the island (around 3000) fall constant prey to the invasions by Frank pirates, who are in constant conflict with the Turks. Exposed between the two forces the people are suffering with the climax being the hanging of the (Catholic) bishop of Syros Andreas Kargas by the pirate captain Ali Pasa in October 1617. In the meantime pirate invasions had led to the desertation of many islands of the Aegean. In 1633 Capuccine monks settle in Syra.
Towards the end of the 17th century the administration and the judicial power are becoming more favourable towards the island. The institutions of the local government were established (the ‘syneleusi tou koinou’(the Common Assembly), the ‘epitropoi’ (delegates), the ‘proestoi’ (the leaders)). The Assembly acquired legislative powers, the delegates were elected by the Assembly for a year’s term and held administrative powers, their confirmation only being issued by the  High Gate. In 1680 the community of Syros exempted the island’s harbour from taxation thus laying the groundwork for the growth of commerce. The island’s Turkish supreme judge resided in Andros. There were no Turks on the island, and the bishop was appointed by the Pope. The increasing French influence on the Syrian clergy contributed to these developments. In this way, the appropriate conditions for security and economic growth were created for the population. People started cultivating land intensively, the youth of the island pursued studies in higher schools in Italy under the aegis of the Pope. During the Russian-Turkish war all the Cyclades were occupied by the Russian fleet (1771).This was the period when many antiquities  of the island were looted with the active participation of the Russian admiral.
When Capetan Pasas won over the islands for the Turks, Syra came under the jurisdiction of the niece of the Sultan who encouraged tax deductions and local institutions. In 1814, a revolt by the people annuls the exclusive privilege of the  urban class of Castro to hold key positions of power.
After 1800, the decline of piracy frees the sea ways of the Eastern Mediterranean. Hence, Syra with its important geographical position but also the support of the western powers develops into a naval junction and its harbour is brought back to life. At exactly this point the outbreak of the Greek revolution takes place.
The first Greek refugees, “lucky” victims of the Turkish reaction to the Revolution arrive in Syra from Asia Minor in 1821. The destruction of the islands Chios (1822), Kasos, and Psara (1824), raise the number of refugees in the island surrounding them with unhoped for safety. The new inhabitants are mainly seamen and tradesmen initially housed in frivolous huts. The protected harbour, an already rising commercial centre, unexpectedly  experiences the development of a new town around it. In the Revolutionary National Assembly, in 1823, the island is placed under Greek rule. The influence of the Catholic element in the island’s affairs is diminished and the French influence recedes, as well. Syros takes a stand for the  Revolution supporting the fight with financial means. In the beginning of 1826, the initially unplanned refugee district has become a developing urban unity. Ermoupoli, the crop yielded by the hard toils and the entrepreneurial spirit of the refugee Greeks is a reality. 1828, the year of the declaration of the independent sovereign Greek state, finds the city as the capital of the Cyclades.The advent of king Otto changes the type  of government. The ‘demogerondia’ is substituted by the ‘demos’(municipality), the first mayor being in 1835 Georgios Petritzis. In 1837 the urban plan of the city is drawn up leading to the implementation of all the necessary works of infrastructure (water supply, sewerage system, road construction, sanitation etc.). The first hospital is founded and education is significantly reinforced with the ‘Gymnasion’ of Neofytos Vamvas in 1839. With the same zeal many initiatives are being undertaken for the organization of the cultural life of the town, entertainment, and information (press). The dock is being constructed  and also the very first in Greece transit warehouses (1834), and the shipbuilding activity is being developed recording 60-80 vessel constructions per year of a total capacity of 130.000 tons. Privately owned shipyards thrive manned with  craftsmen  from Chios, Psara, Hydra, Spetses of renowned craftmanship. It has been estimated that over 2000 people were employed in this sector. The efforts to fully organize the trade are brought to completion with the establishment of one of the first in Greece Chambers of Commerce. In the harbour warehouses products from England, Trieste, Marseille, Malta, Russia, Constantinople, Alexandroupoli etc. are moving in and out. In parallel, various industrial activities are being developed, tanning being the one booming most, iron smithery, the soap and flour industries following, and from 1861 and onwards a large number of textile factories which preserved their dynamics until even the end of our century. The harbour is buzzing with trade ships of every nationality. Within 30 years the sail ships registered in Syra reached the impressive number of 5.000! Naval activity reaches high peaks, especially after 1856, with the foundation of the first Greek steamboat company, based in Ermoupoli. The boats of the company enable transports to the other islands, the coasts of Asia Minor and mainland Greece, and overseas. Furthermore, the company is expanding its activities by establishing a model steam-driven ship-yard and smithery named “Neorion kai Mechanourgeia Syrou” (“Syros Dockyard and Machine-works”).
The first Greek steamboat is built in Ermoupoli in 1854. The market is flooded with products from abroad; labour associations, trade and craft unions are being created. These very developments, which were completely novel to the modern Greek reality,  gave rise to the first efforts of the Greek economy in general to become integrated into the western capitalist system.
In 1879, the first strike in Greece takes place, in the shipyards and the tanneries. Insurance branches and agencies are spreading, and several private banking institutions are being founded. This unprecedented development  is having a direct effect on the educational and cultural sector. The "Gymnasion" of Ermoupoli was being attended by children from all over Greece and private schools with a breadth of knowledge on offer  flourished. Naval schools are being founded, and also, the Cyclades Seminary, training schools for workers, schools for destitute children and women, the Hellenic Museum. In the meantime, the theatre makes its appearance with the landmark construction of the Municipal Theatre ‘Apollon’ (a facsimile of Milan’s Scala in smaller scale), which was host to successive quality performances by foreign and Greek theatre companies. During the same period we have the establishment of the Municipal Philarmonic Society and the Hellas Club. There is also a lively publishing activity developing with many printing offices. The liberal political movements of urban character find fertile land on the island. In 1862 Syra participates in the fight to uphold the constitution of the Greek state. With the outbreak of the Cretan revolution against the Turks Syra becomes the most   significant base for material and moral support with the  “Ellenike Aktoploia ”  (“Hellenic Steamboats”) company providing a number of vessels  in risky successful missions, but also facing losses (1866-1868). From 1852, the year of the first Cretan refuges settling in Ermoupoli, until the Asia Minor Disaster of 1922, Syra became the receptacle of al persecuted Greeks and a second home to thousands of people. In 1889 Ermoupoli finds itself in its most significant turn in its history, with the island’s population amounting to 31571 inhabitants. With the closure of the 19th century the island’s strong economy becomes destabilized. The reason lies in the international developments in sea commerce and heavy industry, as well. The focus of the East Mediterranean commercial activity is gradually removed from the island, while already in 1900 many factories have closed or are heading towards closing down. After 1910 and during the mid-war period many affluent houses emigrate to countries abroad. However, the harbour remains an important  sea junction in the Aegean for yet many more years.
The period of the World War II occupation of Greece brought about the definite downfall in the town’s social and economic life. The 1941 famine and the merciless bombings of Ermoupoli deprived the town of huge numbers of human resources. Perhaps no other Greek country town suffered so much hardship during this gloomy period.
Despite the fact that the social composition of the island has radically changed in the past decades, Syra has achieved to sustain until now a high standard of living. The memories of such an important past remain particularly living even today. As a witness beyond any dispute stands the peculiar architectural character of Ermoupoli which elevates it to a monument of history and culture.

Copyright: Fr. Caloutas from the publication “Syra: Historic Memory and Tour”
 Protopapadaki 20, Ermoupoli 84100 Syros
Texts: T. Anastasiou
Editing: T. Anastasiou, V. Maoutsos