The History of Mount Athos

The history of Mount Athos, like the one of the whole region of Chalkidiki, proves that humanity had settled in this place since ancient times. The beauty of the athonite landscape, the natural wealth and the mild climate favored the development of life. Meanwhile, the peculiarity of the terrain reinforced the formation of a secluded and ascetic daily life for the inhabitants of Mount Athos. The first to settle on the peninsula were Thracians. During the 5th century B.C., a Greek population, which gradually defined the racial character of the place, was added to them. Their main occupations were agriculture, animal husbandry and fishing.