Astipalea is inhabited since prehistoric times. The island’s history is connected to the sea, since fishing had always the leading role in the island’s financial robustness.
During ancient times the island was known as Ihthioessa. This denomination showed that it had many fishes.
According to mythology its current name is from Astipalea, Minoa’s mother and Europe’s sister. Kares and Minoans first inhabited the island. Astipalea flourished in Hellenistic times due to fishing and agriculture.
It followed the same historic route as all Dodecanese islands. It met Roman possession, Byzantine and Venetian domination.
Venetians conquered the island in 1207. Guerini’s dynasty built the Venetian castle on the top of the hill in order to control Aegean Sea. In 1540 Turkish conquer the island.
In 1912 Italians posses Astipalea and in 1948 is adjusted to Greece.