The island most probably took its name from the Phoenician Thassos.
According to mythology, he came to the island with Cadmus in search of his sister Europa who had been abducted by Zeus, who had appeared in the form of a bull.
After much searching and disappointment, Cadmus received a prophecy from the Oracle at Delphi, and returned to the Aegean to build the town of Thebes.
Thassos was enchanted by the beauty and breathtaking sunsets of the island which would take his name and decided to stay.
He stayed there with his men, founded settlements and employed the locals in exploiting the gold mines, principally situated on the eastern side of the island.
Colonisation by the Phoenicians is recorded by Herodotus as being around 1600 – 1500 BC, and these records are now considered the most accurate indication available.
Tags: Phoenician, Thassos, Zeus