In ancient times Symi had
various different names: Metapontis, Egli, Kariki, and others. The name which
prevailed is, according to Mythology, due to Glafkos abducting a young girl
named Symi. They settled down on the island and became the first residents. Glafkos was famous as a swimmer, navigator, sponge diver, fisherman and boat builder,
characteristics that the people of Symi gained through the years. The island is also known for certain historic facts. It is
known as the island of Nireas; the king of Symi, Nireas, was
involved in the Trojan War. Moreover it is well known for the monastery of Archangel Michael, and
also as the island upon which the Germans surrendered to the Allies in
1945, when the Dodecanese Protocol was signed in Symi .
Historians have verified from various findings (ancient buildings, ramparts, remains of roads, writings from Hellenistic and Roman times, Byzantine and past Byzantine sculptures) that Symi was occupied from ancient
times. They concluded that the island was organised into municipalities and that its residents were prosperous and
took part in important events in Greek history. In the upper town there is a small museum, which chronicles the history of Symi from its very early days.
Also in Yialos (harbour area) there is a Nautical museum which chronicles the nautical history of Symi.
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