In classical times the island was known for its red pottery (called Samian ware by the Romans). The island followed the fate of the Ionian cities, being subjugated to the Persian empire. During the Peloponnesian War (431-404 BC), Samos took the side of Athens against Sparta, providing their port to the Athenian fleet. Samos was part of the Roman Empire, Eastern Roman Empire, then Ottoman Empire until 1832 when it became semi-independent, paying tribute to the Ottomans.
In 1913 it was included in Greece as a result of the Balkan Wars.
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