Long before the twelve gods of Olympus came to power, people worshipped and were ruled by the sons of Gaia (Earth) and Ouranos (Heaven). These were the giants, or the Titans. In a battle that shook the very foundation of the universe, these giants struggled against the Olympian gods, led by Zeus the son of the Titan Chronos (Time).
The Titans were eventually defeated and after the battle, the giant known as Polybotes fled to Kos to seek refuge. The god of the sea, Poseidon, had a particular hatred for Polybotes and pursued him there. When Poseidon found Polybotes he broke off a part of Kos Island and hurled it at him, crushing the giant and killing him. This, according to myth is how the isle of Nisyros was formed. (Nisyros was in fact part of Kos but was separated by an earthquake. The exact time when this occurred is unknown.)
Hippocrates-Father of Medicine
Hippocrates is considered by scientists to be the founder of medicine. He may have been the most important doctor of the ancient times and the best representative of the Medical School of Kos. He was also a profound philosopher and humanitarian. He was born in Kos in 460 BC and was the son...
I swear by Apollo the physician, and Aesculapius, and Hygeia, and Panacea and all the gods and goddesses, making them my witnesses, that I will fulfill, according to my ability and judgment, this Oath and covenant. To hold him, who has taught me this art, as equal to my parents...
According to the most popular myth, Asclepius was the son of Apollo and Koronida, daughter of the King of Thesallia Fleyia. Koronida fell in love with Ishi and so Apollo ordered her death from his sister Artemis. Apollo saved the infant Koronida was carrying, he took it to Pylio and entrusted its upbringing to either...
