Halki, although in the future it belonged to the Rhodian Kamiro, in the 5th c. BC appears in history for the first time as an independent city participating in the Athenian alliance, which is confirmed by the tax lists of the First Athenian Alliance of 478/477 BC. In Thucydides' recounting of the events of the Peloponnesian War , the port of Chalkis plays an important role in the events of 412/411 BC as a refuge and base for the Athenian fleet against the Rhodians, when the latter allied themselves with the Lacedaemonians.
In the 4th century Halki experienced a brief period of independence. Its heyday is reflected in the important finds in the classical necropolis of Pontamos, which testify to relations with Athens, Rhodes and Thassos. At the end of the 4th c. BC falls within the sphere of influence of Rhodes, according to the testimony of Theophrastus who mentions the island as Rhodian. In inscriptions of the 3rd century, Halki is included among the ktoines (municipalities) of the Rhodian Kamiros, and names of Chalkitos are mentioned in lists of founders (officials) of the same city.
To the west of today's Chorio, where the medieval settlement of Chorio was located, the ancient settlement of Halki with a fortified citadel has been identified. Ancient members are found built into the cemetery wall, such as large chipped stones, as well as ceramic fragments originating from the ancient settlement.
Also, at the top of the hill, part of the foundations of the ancient wall is preserved, integrated into the walls of the medieval castle. Between the stone-built abandoned houses of the medieval settlement, the retaining walls of the ancient houses are preserved. Near the top of the hill two thrones have been carved into the rock with the inscription DIOS EKATIS. A small temple dedicated to the god Asklepios was probably built here, according to a votive inscription of the god's priest.
Editor: Fotini Anastasopoulou