a_DT brief_JJ History_NN 

Prehistoric_NNP man_NN in_IN Asia_NNP Minor_NNP (_( now_RB modern_JJ Turkey_NNP )_) or_CC Greece_NNP could_MD look_VB out_IN across_IN the_DT Aegean_NNP toward_IN the_DT horizon_NN and_CC see_VB the_DT faint_JJ silhouette_NN of_IN land_NN ._. 
Their_PRP$ curiosity_NN pushed_VBD them_PRP to_TO build_VB vessels_NNS that_WDT were_VBD strong_JJ enough_RB to_TO ford_NN the_DT open_JJ seas_NNS and_CC reach_VB these_DT islands_NNS ,_, marking_VBG the_DT start_NN of_IN the_DT long_JJ legacy_NN of_IN Mediterranean_NNP seafaring_VBG ._. 

Around_IN 7000_CD b.c._NN ,_, the_DT Phoenicians_NNP set_VBD out_IN from_IN what_WP is_VBZ now_RB Iran_NNP to_TO explore_VB their_PRP$ surroundings_NNS ._. 
They_PRP eventually_RB reached_VBD the_DT islands_NNS ,_, and_CC founded_VBD colonies_NNS on_IN the_DT islands_NNS in_IN the_DT northernmost_NN part_NN of_IN the_DT Aegean_NNP Sea_NNP ._. 
An_DT important_JJ early_JJ material_NN ,_, obsidian_NN ,_, was_VBD discovered_VBN on_IN the_DT island_NN of_IN Milos_NNP ._. 
Obsidian_NNP is_VBZ a_DT hard_JJ ,_, vitreous_JJ volcanic_JJ rock_NN ,_, which_WDT could_MD be_VB fashioned_VBN into_IN tools_NNS for_IN cutting_VBG and_CC stabbing_VBG ._. 
The_DT high_JJ quality_NN of_IN the_DT seam_NN on_IN Milos_NNP ensured_JJ that_IN the_DT area_NN remained_VBD popular_JJ with_IN early_JJ travelers_NNS ._. 

The_DT basic_JJ elements_NNS of_IN life_NN in_IN the_DT Aegean_NNP began_VBD to_TO come_VB together_RB as_RB early_RB as_IN 5000_CD b.c._NN ,_, and_CC were_VBD already_RB in_IN place_NN by_IN the_DT late_JJ Bronze_NNP Age_NNP (_( c_SYM ._. 2700_CD b.c._NN )_) ._. 
The_DT major_JJ changes_NNS were_VBD not_RB to_TO daily_JJ tasks_NNS and_CC routines_NNS ,_, but_CC to_TO the_DT political_JJ power_NN base_NN ,_, which_WDT changed_VBD regularly_RB and_CC not_RB necessarily_RB peacefully_RB throughout_IN the_DT ages_NNS ._. 

Cycladic_NNP Culture_NNP 

At_IN around_IN 3500_CD b.c._NN ,_, a_DT sophisticated_JJ culture_NN evolved_VBD in_IN the_DT Cyclades_NNP islands_NNS ._. 
The_DT distinctive_JJ ,_, sculpted_JJ marble_NN figures_NNS of_IN the_DT era_NN are_VBP now_RB being_VBG reproduced_VBD in_IN vast_JJ quantities_NNS as_IN souvenirs_NNS ._. 
You_PRP will_MD find_VB original_JJ examples_NNS in_IN the_DT archaeological_JJ museums_NNS throughout_IN the_DT Cyclades_NNP ,_, although_IN one_CD of_IN the_DT earliest_JJS examples_NNS is_VBZ in_IN the_DT museum_NN on_IN Paros_NNP ._. 
The_DT people_NNS farmed_JJ and_CC fished_JJ ;_: on_IN the_DT dawning_VBG of_IN the_DT Bronze_NNP Age_NNP in_IN 2700_CD b.c._NN ,_, they_PRP began_VBD to_TO work_VB with_IN metals_NNS ._. 
The_DT Cycladic_NNP culture_NN was_VBD influenced_VBN by_IN societies_NNS in_IN the_DT east_JJ ,_, importing_VBG the_DT pottery_NN wheel_NN from_IN Mesopotamia_NNP ._. 
They_PRP also_RB continued_VBD to_TO trade_VB in_IN obsidian_NN and_CC the_DT local_JJ marble_NN ._. 

The_DT Minoans_NNP and_CC the_DT Myceneans_NNP 

Farther_NNP south_RB in_IN Crete_NNP ,_, the_DT Minoan_NNP culture_NN developed_VBN after_IN 2000_CD b.c._NN into_IN the_DT most_RBS significant_JJ of_IN its_PRP$ age_NN ,_, spreading_VBG its_PRP$ influence_NN throughout_IN the_DT region_NN by_IN trade_NN and_CC diplomacy_NN ._. 
Santorini_NNP (_( Thira_NNP )_) ,_, the_DT next_JJ major_JJ island_NN north_RB ,_, was_VBD heavily_RB influenced_VBN by_IN Crete_NNP ,_, and_CC the_DT settlements_NNS of_IN Thira_NNP and_CC Akrotiri_NNP thrived_VBD at_IN this_DT time_NN ._. 
The_DT magnificent_JJ frescoes_NNS and_CC mosaics_NNS found_VBD at_IN Akrotiri_NNP are_VBP in_IN Athens_NNP at_IN present_JJ ,_, but_CC the_DT remains_NNS of_IN the_DT buildings_NNS at_IN the_DT site_NN provide_VB ample_JJ evidence_NN of_IN the_DT sophistication_NN of_IN the_DT culture_NN here_RB ._. 

Around_IN 1500_CD b.c._NN ,_, a_DT massive_JJ volcanic_JJ eruption_NN at_IN Santorini_NNP destroyed_VBD not_RB only_RB Akrotiri_NNP —_NN under_IN feet_NNS of_IN ash_NN and_CC pumice_NN —_NN but_CC the_DT whole_JJ Minoan_NNP civilization_NN ._. 
Massive_JJ tidal_JJ waves_NNS swept_VBD over_IN Crete_NNP ,_, and_CC other_JJ parts_NNS of_IN the_DT Mediterranean_NNP ,_, smashing_NN buildings_NNS and_CC drowning_VBG many_JJ thousands_NNS of_IN people_NNS ._. 

In_IN the_DT wake_NN of_IN this_DT tremendous_JJ natural_JJ upheaval_NN ,_, the_DT Aegean_NNP Islands_NNP next_RB came_VBD under_IN the_DT influence_NN of_IN the_DT Mycenaeans_NNP (_( at_IN around_IN 1300_CD b.c._NN )_) ,_, who_WP had_VBD a_DT base_NN in_IN the_DT Peloponnese_NNP region_NN of_IN the_DT Greek_JJ mainland_NN ._. 
The_DT Mycenaeans_NNP were_VBD an_DT acquisitive_JJ race_NN who_WP came_VBD to_TO conquer_VB ,_, not_RB to_TO trade_VB ._. 
Their_PRP$ extensive_JJ military_JJ campaigns_NNS were_VBD later_RB chronicled_JJ by_IN Homer_NNP in_IN his_PRP$ epic_NN poems_NNS The_DT Odyssey_NNP and_CC The_DT Iliad_NNP ._. 

The_DT Rise_NN of_IN Athens_NNP 

The_DT Dorians_NNP ,_, who_WP came_VBD overland_NN from_IN northern_JJ Europe_NNP ,_, conquered_JJ the_DT Mycenaeans_NNP ._. 
They_PRP were_VBD a_DT barbaric_JJ race_NN ,_, and_CC their_PRP$ custody_NN of_IN the_DT area_NN brought_VBN about_IN a_DT dark_JJ period_NN during_IN which_WDT the_DT written_VBN word_NN was_VBD forgotten_VBN and_CC art_NN disappeared_VBD ._. 
They_PRP held_VBD sway_VB over_IN islands_NNS off_RP the_DT northern_JJ Greek_JJ coast_NN ,_, but_CC the_DT Phoenicians_NNP kept_VBD control_NN of_IN the_DT main_JJ sea_NN routes_NNS ;_: south_RB of_IN the_DT area_NN ,_, trade_NN continued_VBD as_IN usual_JJ ._. 
At_IN the_DT same_JJ time_NN ,_, city-states_JJ began_VBD to_TO grow_VB in_IN influence_NN on_IN the_DT southern_JJ Greek_JJ mainland_NN ._. 
Athens_NNP became_VBD the_DT most_RBS powerful_JJ ,_, heralding_VBG the_DT start_NN of_IN the_DT classical_JJ Greek_JJ period_NN ._. 
However_RB ,_, Greece_NNP was_VBD not_RB yet_RB a_DT country_NN ;_: each_DT city-state_JJ was_VBD self-governing_JJ and_CC autonomous_JJ ._. 

The_DT new_JJ culture_NN spread_VBD throughout_IN the_DT Mediterranean_NNP ,_, helped_VBN by_IN a_DT huge_JJ increase_NN in_IN migration_NN from_IN the_DT mainland_NN to_TO new_JJ settlements_NNS such_JJ as_IN Carthage_NNP ,_, a_DT Greek_JJ city_NN on_IN the_DT African_JJ coast_NN of_IN the_DT Mediterranean_NNP ._. 
Culture_NNP and_CC the_DT arts_NNS flourished_VBN once_RB again_RB ._. 
Athletic_NNP prowess_NN was_VBD admired_VBN and_CC the_DT Olympic_NNP games_NNS were_VBD constituted_VBD in_IN 776_CD b.c._NN ,_, to_TO promote_VB friendly_JJ competition_NN ._. 
Homer_NNP wrote_VBD his_PRP$ epic_NN works_VBZ on_IN Chios_NNP ;_: and_CC lyrical_JJ poetry_NN was_VBD much_RB admired_VBN ,_, particularly_RB the_DT work_NN of_IN the_DT poets_NNS Archilochos_NNP on_IN Paros_NNP and_CC Sappho_NNP on_IN Lesvos_NNP ._. 

The_DT preeminent_NN islands_NNS of_IN this_DT era_NN were_VBD Delos_NNP ,_, a_DT sacred_JJ island_NN and_CC center_NN of_IN religion_NN ruled_VBN by_IN Athens_NNP ;_: Samos_NNP ,_, ruled_VBN by_IN the_DT tyrant_NN Polycrates_NNP ;_: and_CC Naxos_NNP ,_, whose_WP$ ruler_NN Lygdamis_NNP undertook_VBD some_DT major_JJ building_NN projects_NNS ._. 
Archaeology_NNP shows_VBZ that_IN ,_, during_IN this_DT time_NN ,_, societies_NNS lived_VBD mainly_RB in_IN coastal_JJ trading_NN towns_NNS with_IN little_JJ settlement_NN inland_RB ._. 

The_DT Persian_NNP Wars_NNPS 

As_IN Athens_NNP rose_VBD in_IN influence_NN and_CC power_NN in_IN the_DT West_NNP ,_, it_PRP was_VBD matched_VBN in_IN the_DT East_NNP by_IN the_DT rise_NN of_IN the_DT Persian_NNP Empire_NNP ._. 
From_IN a_DT power_NN base_NN in_IN Anatolia_NNP ,_, the_DT Persians_NNP overran_NN the_DT eastern_JJ Aegean_NNP Islands_NNP and_CC set_VBD their_PRP$ sights_NNS on_IN the_DT Cyclades_NNP ._. 
In_IN 490_CD b.c._NN ,_, they_PRP captured_VBD sacred_JJ Delos_NNP and_CC razed_VBN the_DT settlements_NNS on_IN Naxos_NNP ._. 
The_DT island_NN communities_NNS were_VBD undecided_JJ about_IN which_WDT side_VBP to_TO back_VB for_IN a_DT time_NN ._. 
Paros_NNP and_CC Andros_NNP contributed_VBD to_TO the_DT Persian_NNP armory_NN ,_, while_IN others_NNS supported_VBD Athens_NNP ._. 
The_DT two_CD superpowers_NNS finally_RB clashed_VBN at_IN the_DT epic_NN battles_NNS of_IN Marathon_NNP and_CC Salamis_NNP in_IN 480_CD b.c._NN 
The_DT Persians_NNP were_VBD defeated_VBN ,_, and_CC Athens_NNP duly_RB punished_VBN the_DT islands_NNS that_WDT had_VBD turned_VBN against_IN it_PRP ._. 

Following_VBG its_PRP$ victory_NN ,_, Athens_NNP introduced_VBD the_DT concept_NN of_IN a_DT mutual_JJ protection_NN alliance_NN (_( a_DT kind_NN of_IN NATO_NNP of_IN the_DT ancient_JJ world_NN )_) ._. 
Several_JJ islands_NNS and_CC Greek_JJ city-states_JJ agreed_VBD to_TO work_VB together_RB ,_, and_CC created_VBD a_DT treasury_NN to_TO fund_VB their_PRP$ plans_NNS ,_, which_WDT was_VBD held_VBN on_IN the_DT island_NN of_IN Delos_NNP ._. 
The_DT alliance_NN became_VBD known_VBN as_IN the_DT Delian_NNP League_NNP ._. 
Although_IN there_EX were_VBD minor_JJ internal_JJ wrangles_NNS ,_, the_DT league_NN controlled_VBD the_DT Aegean_NNP and_CC the_DT greater_JJR Athenian_JJ Empire_NNP for_IN most_JJS of_IN the_DT fifth_JJ century_NN b.c._NN 
Later_RB ,_, in_IN 454_CD b.c._NN ,_, the_DT treasury_NN was_VBD transferred_VBN to_TO Athens_NNP and_CC its_PRP$ deposits_NNS were_VBD used_VBN to_TO finance_VB the_DT construction_NN of_IN many_JJ of_IN the_DT major_JJ buildings_NNS and_CC temples_NNS of_IN the_DT Classical_NNP Age_NNP ._. 

In_IN 431_CD b.c._NN ,_, Athens_NNP began_VBD a_DT war_NN with_IN its_PRP$ neighbor_NN and_CC league_NN member_NN Sparta_NNP ._. 
Although_IN the_DT islands_NNS saw_VBD little_JJ action_NN ,_, as_IN the_DT war_NN went_VBD on_IN they_PRP could_MD see_VB that_IN Athens_NNP was_VBD slowly_RB losing_VBG its_PRP$ power_NN ._. 
Before_IN the_DT end_NN of_IN the_DT war_NN in_IN 401_CD b.c._NN ,_, many_JJ islands_NNS had_VBD already_RB transferred_VBN their_PRP$ allegiance_NN to_TO the_DT victors_NNS ,_, who_WP were_VBD led_VBN by_IN Philip_NNP II_NNP of_IN Macedon_NNP ._. 
He_PRP was_VBD followed_VBN in_IN 336_CD b.c._NN by_IN his_PRP$ son_NN Alexander_NNP the_DT Great_NNP ,_, one_CD of_IN the_DT most_RBS remarkable_JJ leaders_NNS in_IN history_NN ._. 
His_PRP$ rise_NN to_TO power_NN ushered_VBD in_IN the_DT Hellenistic_NNP period_NN ._. 

Hellenistic_NNP and_CC Roman_NNP Periods_NNS 

When_WRB Alexander_NNP went_VBD on_IN to_TO conquer_VB lands_NNS as_RB far_RB to_TO the_DT east_JJ as_IN India_NNP ,_, the_DT Aegean_NNP became_VBD a_DT crossroads_NNS for_IN the_DT long_JJ trading_NN routes_NNS ._. 
Delos_NNP became_VBD one_CD of_IN the_DT largest_JJS marketplaces_NNS in_IN the_DT empire_NN ._. 
Following_VBG Alexander_NNP s_VBZ death_NN ,_, his_PRP$ lands_NNS were_VBD divided_VBN among_IN his_PRP$ generals_NNS ._. 
Much_JJ of_IN the_DT Aegean_NNP came_VBD under_IN the_DT rule_NN of_IN the_DT Ptolemies_NNP ,_, along_IN with_IN Egypt_NNP ._. 
Cleopatra_NNP was_VBD a_DT member_NN of_IN this_DT famous_JJ ruling_NN clan_NN ._. 

Although_IN in_IN 88_CD b.c._NN ,_, Mithradates_NNP made_VBD a_DT swift_JJ and_CC successful_JJ raid_NN from_IN the_DT East_NNP across_IN Asia_NNP Minor_NNP and_CC the_DT Aegean_NNP Islands_NNP ,_, the_DT next_JJ major_JJ power_NN change_NN brought_VBD influence_NN from_IN the_DT West_NNP ._. 
The_DT Greek_NNP Hellenistic_NNP Empire_NNP was_VBD gradually_RB ,_, and_CC peacefully_RB ,_, absorbed_VBN into_IN the_DT Roman_NNP Empire_NNP ._. 

The_DT Byzantine_JJ Empire_NNP and_CC the_DT Coming_VBG of_IN Christianity_NNP 

The_DT Romans_NNP ruled_VBD a_DT pagan_NN empire_NN ,_, but_CC the_DT Aegean_NNP had_VBD an_DT important_JJ influence_NN on_IN the_DT early_JJ development_NN of_IN Christianity_NNP ._. 
In_IN a.d._NN 95_CD ,_, St._NN John_NNP arrived_VBD on_IN Patmos_NNP ,_, a_DT small_JJ rocky_JJ island_NN in_IN the_DT Dodecanese_NNP ,_, as_IN a_DT political_JJ prisoner_NN ._. 
It_PRP was_VBD here_RB that_IN he_PRP wrote_VBD what_WP was_VBD to_TO become_VB the_DT final_JJ book_NN of_IN the_DT New_NNP Testament_NNP ,_, the_DT Book_NNP of_IN Revelation_NNP ._. 
It_PRP wasn_NN t_NN until_IN a.d._NN 330_CD ,_, however_RB ,_, when_WRB the_DT newly_RB converted_VBN Emperor_NNP Constantine_NNP made_VBD Byzantium_NNP ,_, renamed_VBD Constantinople_NNP ,_, capital_NN of_IN his_PRP$ Eastern_NNP Empire_NNP that_IN Christianity_NNP was_VBD assured_VBN of_IN its_PRP$ dominant_JJ role_NN in_IN future_JJ Greek_JJ life_NN ._. 

The_DT Byzantine_JJ Empire_NNP had_VBD powerful_JJ and_CC well-fortified_JJ cities_NNS ,_, but_CC the_DT countryside_NN and_CC the_DT outlying_JJ islands_NNS were_VBD ravaged_VBN by_IN waves_NNS of_IN invaders_NNS ._. 
In_IN an_DT attempt_NN to_TO counter_VB a_DT threat_NN from_IN the_DT Saracen_NNP Muslims_NNPS ,_, a_DT new_JJ potent_JJ religious_JJ force_NN from_IN the_DT East_NNP ,_, the_DT Byzantine_JJ army_NN forcefully_RB enlisted_VBD the_DT men_NNS of_IN the_DT islands_NNS ._. 
Disease_NNP took_VBD a_DT further_JJ toll_NN ._. 
By_IN the_DT time_NN of_IN the_DT Crusades_NNP ,_, many_JJ of_IN the_DT Aegean_NNP islands_NNS had_VBD been_VBN practically_RB depopulated_JJ ._. 

As_IN the_DT Byzantine_JJ Empire_NNP weakened_VBD at_IN the_DT end_NN of_IN the_DT first_JJ millennium_NN ,_, Crusader_NNP forces_NNS were_VBD sent_VBN from_IN Western_NNP Europe_NNP to_TO counter_VB the_DT Muslim_NNP forces_NNS and_CC retake_NN Jerusalem_NNP for_IN the_DT Christian_NNP faith_NN ._. 
Unfortunately_RB ,_, their_PRP$ zeal_NN was_VBD not_RB matched_VBN by_IN their_PRP$ discrimination_NN ._. 
The_DT crusaders_NNS swept_VBD through_IN the_DT l_NN ;_: and_CC of_IN Byzantium_NNP slaughtering_VBG Christians_NNS as_RB well_RB as_IN Muslims_NNPS ,_, civilians_NNS as_RB well_RB as_IN soldiers_NNS ._. 
Constantinople_NNP was_VBD taken_VBN by_IN Crusader_NNP forces_NNS in_IN 1204_CD ,_, and_CC they_PRP stripped_VBD the_DT city_NN of_IN manyof_NN its_PRP$ finest_JJS treasures_NNS —_NN which_WDT now_RB grace_NN the_DT public_JJ buildings_NNS of_IN Venice_NNP —_NN although_IN a_DT large_JJ consignment_NN of_IN books_NNS and_CC manuscripts_NNS was_VBD transferred_VBN to_TO the_DT monastery_NN at_IN Patmos_NNP before_IN the_DT city_NN fell_VBD ._. 

While_IN Byzantine_JJ land_NN was_VBD being_VBG divided_VBN ,_, there_EX was_VBD no_DT one_CD in_IN control_NN of_IN the_DT seas_NNS ,_, so_RB pirates_NNS raided_VBD towns_NNS on_IN many_JJ of_IN the_DT islands_NNS ._. 
To_TO counter_VB this_DT ,_, the_DT populations_NNS moved_VBD from_IN their_PRP$ homes_NNS on_IN the_DT coast_NN and_CC built_VBN settlements_NNS inland_RB ,_, out_IN of_IN sight_NN of_IN the_DT raiding_VBG parties_NNS ._. 
This_DT created_VBD a_DT pattern_NN seen_VBN today_NN throughout_IN the_DT Aegean_NNP of_IN a_DT small_JJ port_NN (_( skala_NN )_) which_WDT serves_VBZ an_DT inland_RB settlement_NN or_CC chora_NN ,_, making_VBG it_PRP easier_JJR to_TO protect_VB the_DT island_NN from_IN attack_NN ._. 

The_DT minor_JJ Aegean_NNP Islands_NNP were_VBD taken_VBN by_IN various_JJ powerful_JJ European_JJ noblemen_NNS ,_, many_DT of_IN whom_WP were_VBD Genoese_NNP or_CC Venetian_JJ ,_, such_JJ as_IN Marco_NNP Sanudo_NNP on_IN Naxos_NNP ._. 
The_DT noblemen_NNS had_VBD free_JJ rein_NN to_TO create_VB their_PRP$ own_JJ fiefdoms_NNS ._. 
The_DT Venetians_NNP fortified_VBN their_PRP$ main_JJ towns_NNS —_NN Naxos_NNP Town_NNP and_CC Antiparos_NNP Town_NNP are_VBP wonderful_JJ examples_NNS of_IN this_DT —_NN creating_VBG labyrinths_NNS of_IN narrow_JJ alleys_NNS and_CC cul-de-sacs_JJ that_WDT were_VBD designed_VBN to_TO confuse_VB and_CC to_TO demoralize_NN invaders_NNS ._. 
The_DT Genoese_NNP took_VBD control_NN of_IN the_DT eastern_JJ Aegean_NNP Islands_NNP ,_, which_WDT were_VBD considered_VBN the_DT most_RBS valuable_JJ for_IN agriculture_NN and_CC trade_NN ._. 

After_IN a_DT final_JJ bloody_JJ defeat_NN by_IN the_DT Muslims_NNPS in_IN 1309_CD ,_, Christian_NNP forces_NNS were_VBD forced_VBN from_IN the_DT Holy_NNP Land_NNP ._. 
The_DT Knights_NNP of_IN St._NN John_NNP ,_, a_DT holy_JJ military_JJ force_NN ,_, made_VBD their_PRP$ way_NN to_TO Rhodes_NNP and_CC Kos_NNP in_IN the_DT Dodecanese_NNP ._. 
They_PRP began_VBD the_DT process_NN of_IN building_VBG their_PRP$ strong_JJ citadels_NNS ,_, and_CC reinforcing_VBG the_DT Christian_NNP faith_NN on_IN the_DT islands_NNS ._. 
However_RB ,_, they_PRP had_VBD not_RB seen_VBN the_DT last_NN of_IN their_PRP$ Muslim_NNP foe_NN ._. 
A_DT force_NN was_VBD gaining_VBG strength_NN in_IN the_DT east_JJ to_TO threaten_VB their_PRP$ new_JJ bases_NNS ._. 

The_DT Coming_VBG of_IN the_DT Ottoman_NNP Turks_NNPS 

The_DT Ottomans_NNP were_VBD roving_VBG invaders_NNS who_WP came_VBD from_IN the_DT east_JJ ,_, taking_VBG land_NN in_IN what_WP is_VBZ now_RB Turkey_NNP ._. 
By_IN the_DT end_NN of_IN the_DT 13_CD th_NN century_NN ,_, they_PRP began_VBD their_PRP$ first_JJ raids_NNS on_IN the_DT Aegean_NNP Islands_NNP ._. 
In_IN 1453_CD ,_, they_PRP took_VBD Constantinople_NNP ,_, and_CC immediately_RB made_VBN it_PRP their_PRP$ capital_NN ,_, renaming_VBG it_PRP Istanbul_NNP ._. 

They_PRP then_RB set_VBD their_PRP$ sights_NNS on_IN the_DT islands_NNS of_IN the_DT Knights_NNP of_IN St._NN John_NNP and_CC ,_, after_IN an_DT unsuccessful_JJ siege_NN in_IN 1480_CD ,_, they_PRP finally_RB ejected_VBN the_DT knights_NNS from_IN the_DT Dodecanese_NNP in_IN 1522_CD ._. 
In_IN 1566_CD ,_, they_PRP wrested_VBN Chios_NNP from_IN the_DT Genoese_NNP ,_, bolstering_VBG their_PRP$ hold_NN on_IN the_DT eastern_JJ Aegean_NNP Islands_NNP ,_, but_CC the_DT Cyclades_NNP remained_VBD in_IN Venetian_JJ hands_NNS for_IN another_DT generation_NN or_CC more_JJR —_NN Tinos_NNP was_VBD the_DT last_NN to_TO fall_VB in_IN 1715_CD ._. 
The_DT Ottomans_NNP brought_VBD new_JJ influences_VBZ to_TO the_DT islands_NNS that_IN they_PRP controlled_VBD ,_, forming_VBG a_DT large_JJ empire_NN that_WDT stretched_VBD around_IN the_DT eastern_JJ Mediterranean_NNP ._. 

Toward_IN Greek_NNP Independence_NNP 

However_RB ,_, a_DT movement_NN was_VBD growing_VBG on_IN the_DT Greek_JJ peninsula_NN against_IN Ottoman_NNP rule_NN and_CC for_IN an_DT independent_JJ Greek_JJ state_NN ._. 
In_IN 1770_CD ,_, Russia_NNP came_VBD to_TO aid_VB the_DT Greeks_NNPS (_( defined_VBN by_IN their_PRP$ Orthodox_NNP religion_NN rather_RB than_IN by_IN historical_JJ geographical_JJ boundaries_NNS )_) ,_, declaring_VBG war_NN on_IN the_DT Ottoman_NNP Empire_NNP and_CC occupying_VBG several_JJ Aegean_NNP islands_NNS until_IN 1774_CD ._. 
Graffiti_NNP written_VBN by_IN Russian_JJ soldiers_NNS can_MD be_VB seen_VBN in_IN the_DT caves_NNS of_IN Antiparos_NNP ._. 

Although_IN this_DT attempt_NN was_VBD unsuccessful_JJ ,_, the_DT campaign_NN for_IN a_DT Greek_JJ state_NN continued_VBD into_IN the_DT 19_CD th_NN century_NN and_CC began_VBD to_TO grow_VB in_IN strength_NN ._. 
The_DT Aegean_NNP Islands_NNP played_VBD their_PRP$ part_NN ._. 
Lesvos_NNP ,_, Chios_NNP ,_, and_CC Samos_NNP lay_VBP in_IN the_DT important_JJ shipping_NN lanes_NNS ,_, and_CC patriots_NNS began_VBD disrupting_VBG Ottoman_NNP cargo_NN traffic_NN ._. 
In_IN return_NN ,_, the_DT Turks_NNPS violently_RB put_VB down_RP every_DT insurrection_NN ,_, including_VBG the_DT massacre_NN on_IN Chios_NNP ,_, when_WRB 22,000_CD people_NNS were_VBD slaughtered_VBN ._. 

The_DT Ottoman_NNP Empire_NNP was_VBD weakening_VBG ,_, however_RB ,_, and_CC in_IN 1821_CD ,_, the_DT peoples_NNS of_IN the_DT Greek_JJ mainland_NN achieved_VBD nationhood_NN for_IN the_DT first_JJ time_NN ._. 
The_DT Cyclades_NNP and_CC the_DT Sporades_NNP island_NN chains_NNS were_VBD also_RB included_VBN in_IN this_DT new_JJ state_NN ._. 
A_DT new_JJ sense_NN of_IN identity_NN enveloped_JJ Greek_JJ peoples_NNS throughout_IN the_DT Aegean_NNP ,_, thus_RB commencing_VBG a_DT movement_NN to_TO expand_VB Greece_NNP and_CC unify_VB the_DT disparate_JJ Orthodox_NNP populations_NNS ._. 

The_DT Twentieth_NNP Century_NNP 

A_DT series_NN of_IN disastrous_JJ decisions_NNS at_IN the_DT beginning_NN of_IN the_DT 20_CD th_NN century_NN began_VBD to_TO sound_VB a_DT death_NN knell_NN for_IN the_DT Ottoman_NNP Empire_NNP ._. 
The_DT Turks_NNPS lost_VBD a_DT short_JJ war_NN with_IN Italy_NNP ,_, and_CC were_VBD forced_VBN to_TO relinquish_VB the_DT Dodecanese_NNP islands_NNS to_TO the_DT Italians_NNPS ._. 
Greece_NNP took_VBD this_DT opportunity_NN to_TO absorb_VB the_DT islands_NNS of_IN the_DT northern_JJ and_CC eastern_JJ Aegean_NNP and_CC to_TO add_VB Macedonia_NNP to_TO its_PRP$ mainland_NN territories_NNS ._. 

Following_VBG this_DT debacle_NN ,_, the_DT Ottomans_NNP then_RB allied_VBD themselves_PRP to_TO Germany_NNP in_IN the_DT World_NNP War_NNP I_PRP ,_, losing_VBG more_JJR territory_NN with_IN the_DT defeat_NN of_IN the_DT Germans_NNPS in_IN that_DT war_NN ._. 
Greece_NNP was_VBD handed_VBN a_DT strip_NN of_IN land_NN along_IN the_DT western_JJ coast_NN of_IN Asia_NNP Minor_NNP ,_, which_WDT for_IN over_IN 2,000_CD years_NNS had_VBD had_VBD a_DT substantial_JJ Greek_JJ population_NN ._. 
Greece_NNP moved_VBD in_IN to_TO administer_VB the_DT land_NN ,_, but_CC a_DT new_JJ influence_NN upset_VBD any_DT grand_JJ dreams_NNS of_IN making_VBG this_DT region_NN a_DT part_NN of_IN greater_JJR Greece_NNP ._. 

In_IN 1923_CD ,_, Turkey_NNP broke_VBD away_RB from_IN the_DT tired_JJ Ottoman_NNP rulers_NNS ,_, and_CC Kemal_NNP Ataturk_NNP rose_VBD to_TO power_VB on_IN a_DT wave_NN of_IN popular_JJ support_NN ._. 
He_PRP promised_VBD a_DT modern_JJ state_NN for_IN his_PRP$ people_NNS ,_, but_CC as_IN the_DT situation_NN became_VBD volatile_JJ ,_, civil_JJ strife_NN broke_VBD out_IN in_IN Turkish_JJ cities_NNS ,_, and_CC those_DT considered_VBN Greek_JJ were_VBD victims_NNS of_IN threats_NNS and_CC violence_NN ._. 
Many_RB had_VBD to_TO leave_VB their_PRP$ birthplaces_NNS ,_, fleeing_VBG to_TO Lesvos_NNP ,_, Chios_NNP ,_, and_CC Samos_NNP ,_, the_DT Greek-ruled_NNP islands_NNS just_RB offshore_RB ._. 
Thousands_NNS of_IN people_NNS arrived_VBD with_IN little_JJ more_JJR than_IN the_DT clothes_NNS they_PRP wore_VBD ,_, putting_VBG great_JJ strain_NN on_IN the_DT resources_NNS of_IN the_DT islands_NNS ._. 
Finally_RB ,_, Greece_NNP was_VBD ousted_VBN from_IN its_PRP$ new_JJ territory_NN in_IN Asia_NNP Minor_NNP ,_, which_WDT became_VBD part_NN of_IN the_DT new_JJ Turkish_JJ state_NN ._. 

Greece_NNP attempted_VBD to_TO stay_VB out_IN of_IN World_NNP War_NNP II_NNP ,_, but_CC Mussolini_NNP saw_VBD Greece_NNP as_IN an_DT ideal_JJ addition_NN to_TO his_PRP$ Italian_JJ empire_NN ._. 
His_PRP$ forces_NNS made_VBD a_DT series_NN of_IN attacks_NNS from_IN their_PRP$ bases_NNS in_IN the_DT Dodecanese_NNP islands_NNS ,_, including_VBG sinking_VBG a_DT Greek_JJ naval_JJ vessel_NN in_IN the_DT harbor_NN of_IN Tinos_NNP Town_NNP ,_, but_CC they_PRP only_RB succeeded_VBD in_IN strengthening_VBG the_DT resolve_NN of_IN the_DT population_NN against_IN them_PRP ._. 
Later_RB the_DT Germans_NNPS came_VBD in_IN force_NN and_CC occupied_JJ many_JJ of_IN the_DT islands_NNS ._. 

After_IN the_DT war_NN ,_, in_IN 1949_CD ,_, the_DT Dodecanese_NNP islands_NNS finally_RB became_VBD part_NN of_IN the_DT Greek_JJ nation_NN ._. 
But_CC the_DT country_NN was_VBD politically_RB fragmented_VBN ,_, with_IN arguments_NNS between_IN monarchists_NNS and_CC republicans_NNS ,_, right_NN and_CC left_VBD ,_, and_CC tension_NN escalated_VBN into_IN civil_JJ war_NN ._. 
The_DT struggle_NN bypassed_JJ most_JJS of_IN the_DT islands_NNS ,_, although_IN there_EX was_VBD fierce_JJ fighting_NN on_IN Samos_NNP ._. 
Even_RB after_IN the_DT fighting_VBG stopped_VBN more_JJR than_IN a_DT decade_NN later_RB ,_, the_DT country_NN was_VBD not_RB stable_JJ ._. 

At_IN the_DT same_JJ time_NN ,_, the_DT massive_JJ growth_NN in_IN air_NN and_CC road_NN transport_NN saw_VBD shipping_VBG decline_NN in_IN importance_NN ._. 
The_DT Aegean_NNP Islands_NNP ,_, which_WDT for_IN centuries_NNS had_VBD been_VBN important_JJ ports_NNS on_IN the_DT trading_NN routes_NNS ,_, became_VBD the_DT backwaters_NNS of_IN this_DT new_JJ transport_NN network_NN and_CC the_DT economies_NNS of_IN several_JJ islands_NNS came_VBD close_RB to_TO collapse_VB ._. 

In_IN 1967_CD ,_, the_DT military_NN took_VBD the_DT reins_NNS of_IN power_NN in_IN Athens_NNP ,_, and_CC until_IN 1974_CD ,_, the_DT Colonels_NNP held_VBD sway_VB with_IN a_DT repressive_JJ and_CC brutal_JJ regime_NN ._. 
Many_JJ Greek_JJ islanders_NNS chose_VBD to_TO leave_VB rather_RB than_IN live_VB in_IN poverty_NN and_CC terror_NN ,_, and_CC many_JJ made_VBN new_JJ homes_NNS in_IN the_DT United_NNP States_NNPS and_CC Australia_NNP ._. 
The_DT expansion_NN of_IN air_NN travel_NN began_VBD the_DT age_NN of_IN mass_NN tourism_NN ,_, and_CC Greece_NNP along_IN with_IN the_DT Aegean_NNP Islands_NNP became_VBD exciting_JJ destinations_NNS for_IN northern_JJ Europeans_NNPS escaping_VBG their_PRP$ damp_VB ,_, cool_VB summers_NNS ._. 

In_IN 1982_CD ,_, Greece_NNP joined_VBD the_DT European_NNP Common_NNP Market_NNP (_( now_RB the_DT European_NNP Union_NNP )_) ._. 
Since_IN this_DT time_NN ,_, membership_NN has_VBZ been_VBN of_IN great_JJ monetary_JJ benefit_NN to_TO the_DT country_NN ._. 
The_DT EU_NNP has_VBZ given_VBN large_JJ subsidies_NNS to_TO develop_VB Greece_NNP s_VBZ infrastructure_NN and_CC grants_NNS to_TO excavate_NN and_CC protect_VB its_PRP$ ancient_JJ monuments_NNS ._. 

Airfields_NNP have_VBP been_VBN constructed_VBN on_IN a_DT number_NN of_IN the_DT islands_NNS ,_, and_CC road_NN systems_NNS have_VBP been_VBN expanded_VBN and_CC im_NN proved_VBD ._. 
Private_JJ investment_NN has_VBZ even_RB made_VBN an_DT increasingly_RB modern_JJ ferry_NN fleet_NN possible_JJ ._. 

Politically_RB ,_, the_DT 1990s_NN have_VBP been_VBN relatively_RB quite_RB times_NNS for_IN the_DT islands_NNS ,_, although_IN the_DT divorce_NN of_IN Greek_JJ prime_JJ minister_NN Andreas_NNP Papandreou_NNP and_CC his_PRP$ subsequent_JJ marriage_NN to_TO a_DT much_RB younger_JJR woman_NN caused_VBD consternation_NN within_IN conservative_JJ Greek_JJ society_NN ._. 

As_IN the_DT Balkans_NNP flared_VBN to_TO war_VB once_RB again_RB ,_, Greek_JJ nationalism_NN has_VBZ stirred_VBD ,_, and_CC there_EX have_VBP been_VBN discussions_NNS in_IN the_DT kafeneion_NN about_IN the_DT land_NN of_IN Macedonia_NNP returning_VBG to_TO the_DT fold_VB of_IN its_PRP$ forefathers_NNS ._. 
Whether_IN this_DT will_MD ever_RB happen_VB remains_VBZ to_TO be_VB seen_VBN ,_, but_CC perhaps_RB the_DT aid_NN offered_VBN by_IN Greece_NNP to_TO Turkey_NNP after_IN 1999’s_NN devastating_JJ earthquake_NN is_VBZ a_DT sign_NN that_IN the_DT animosity_NN between_IN these_DT two_CD traditional_JJ enemies_NNS is_VBZ beginning_VBG to_TO diminish_VB ._. 

