On the northwest coast of the island, 3 kilometres from the village of Kalavarda, is the ancient city of Kamiros. Kamiros, was one of the 3 ancient cities of Rhodes, but also of the famous Doric hexapolis. The economy of Kamiros was mainly based on agricultural production, with Homer describing the city’s soil as ‘αργινόεντα’ (white).

During the Late Bronze Age, the Mycenaeans settled in the city, building the first buildings in the area. One of these buildings was the cemetery of chamber tombs located in the village of Kalavarda.

Later, the Dorians took control of the city. The Dorians left behind a wealth of archaeological finds, as well as various temples and public buildings.  In Papa’s Loures, south and near the acropolis, and Kehraki, two more cemeteries of the Late Geometric Period appear.

The most important period in the history of Kamiros was the Archaic period. The city went through a great period of prosperity, with many new buildings being built in the area. Many trade agreements were concluded with cities in Central Greece, Asia Minor, and the South-eastern Mediterranean. The economy of the city continued to be based on agricultural production, but growth was also observed in the handicraft industry. In the 6th century, the city minted its own currency, and the temple of Athena was built in the same period.

During the Peloponnesian War, Kamiros was a member of the Athenian Alliance. In 412 BC Dorieus, son of the famous Olympic champion Diagoras, landed in Rhodes with the help of the Spartan fleet. After negotiations, Dorieus persuaded the three cities of Kamiros, Lindos, and Ialyssos to unite into a single state with Rhodes as its center. After that, the commercial, economic, and cultural center of the island was the city of Rhodes, but without the abandonment of the old cities. Kamiros was destroyed by the earthquakes of 226 BC and 142 BC and from then on began to decline.

During the Ottoman period, there were fields around the Ancient City. Between 1852-1864, Western archaeologists began excavations in the area, with many finds being in the British Museum. During the Italian occupation and until World War II, excavations continued by the Italian School of Archaeology.

Do you want to learn more about the history of Rhodes? Visit Throne of Helios and combine knowledge with fun!