Chios

Chios is a large island, located west of Ionia, Asia Minor. In the Homeric Hymn to the Delian Apollo, Chios was described as being a rocky island.

Oenopion was ruler of Chios when the giant hunter Orion became his daughter's suitor. His daughter was named Merope. When Orion drunkenly boasted that he would take Merope with or without the king's permission, Oenopion blinded Orion while he slept. When Orion regained his sight and sought revenge, Oenopion hid in a cave, until Orion left his island.

Homer, author of The Iliad and The Odyssey, was traditionally said to be born in Chios. Leading citizens of Argos would come to the island and offer sacrifices to the blind poet of Chios every 5 years. (Contest of Homer and Hesiod).

Historically, Chios was part of the Athenian Empire during the 5th century BC and for most of Peloponnesian War, until the Chians revolted.