Kos is a Greek island and belongs to the Dodecanese in south-eastern Aegean Sea. It is the third largest island of the Dodecanese, after Rhodes and Karpathos, with a population of 33,388 inhabitants (2011 census), making it the second most populous island of the Dodecanese, second to Rhodes. The island measures 40 by 8 kilometres (25 by 5 miles), and is 4kms (2 miles) away from the coast of the ancient region of Caria in Turkey.
History and archaeological sites:
Kos is the birthplace of Hippocrates, often referred to as the "Father of Medicine". The Tree under which he used to teach still stands in the city centre, and it is considered the oldest tree in Europe and one of the oldest trees in the world.
The Asklepieion is undoubtedly the most important monument of Kos, the oldest and most famous healing centre of the Antiquity. To this day, the Hippocratic Oath is heard every summer at the temple of Asklepieion, spoken in Ancient Greek. Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans and Italians have conquered the island throughout the centuries and have left their mark on modern Kos. Archaeological monuments more than 3000 years old are found all over the island. Numerous castles, ancient temples, old theatres and the Ancient Market provide evidence of the past glory and fame of Kos.
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