Chios has been inhabited for thousands of years. Archaeological findings on Chios near the caves of "agios gala" proofed to be dated 3000 BC. Also at the city of Emborio findings from the period 2600-2000 B.C were found. The name of this island dates back to this period. Some say the name is derived from Chiona, Chiona was on of the daughters of Oinopionas of Crete. Other say that the name is the Phoenician name for Mastic. In this time the island was also named Pityousa, which means pine tree in ancient Greek. The first king of Chios was named "Amphialos" or "Amphiklos" which was sent there by an Oracle. Later the Ionians came from Asia Minor to colonize the island.

It became a major naval power and the centre of commercial and cultural activities around 700 B.C. In this position the people flourished in many ways. Amongst the people of the island were the richest in the area. Even today this period reflect on every day life because of the proverbs it created. such as "Chia Zoe" (chiosian way of life) or "Chios yelos" (chiosian laughter)

The ilands prosperity was abruptly ended by the Persian empire, which conquered the island around 490 B.C. After the tiran was defeated a second period of prosperity came, but again was abruptly ended by the Peloponnesian war. A period of instability came to the island, alliances were made with the Athenians, Alexander the great and the romans. During this periode the centre of power shifted away from the Aegean sea and the early years of the first millennia was one of misfortune and earthquakes.