Leros, also known as the island of Artemide, has the leading part in Greece’s history since prehistoric times.
Leros strategic location in southeast Aegean Sea was the main reason that the island was the bone of contention between strong forces. The first traces of inhabitance in the island, specifically in Partheni, belong to Neolithic times.
Leros was inhabited by Kares, Phinics, Cretes, Dorians and Ions. According to Homer Leros took part in the war of Troy.
Historian Irodote reports the strong holds, commercial, financial and spiritual, the island had with Ions of Militos.
Leros was part of the Athenaeum alliance.
During the 5^th BC it flourished.
In Byzantine times, the island belonged to Samos. The famous castle and the church of Panagia were built then. At the same period was also built the Castle of Lepides, the famous Paleokastro, as and many baronial churches.
In 1314 the Knights of Saint John Tagma conquered the island and enlarged the byzantine castle making it impenetrable for every prospective conqueror.
Turkish conquer Leros in 1522 and stays under their possession – as all Dodecanese islands – until 1912 when Italians take it. The island becomes the naval base and starts to develop. The town in Lakki is built and many imposing buildings that adorn the region.
In 1948, Leros, as all Dodecanese islands is attached to Greece.