or CHIOS, an Asiatic island lying near the coast of Natolia, opposite to the peninsula of Ionia. It was known to the ancients by the name of Ethalia, Macris, Pithyusa, &c., as well as that of Chios. According to Herodotus, the island of Chios was peopled originally from Ionia. It was at first governed by kings; but afterwards the government assumed a republican form, which by the direction of Icocrates was modelled after that of Athens. They were, however, soon enslaved by tyrants, and afterwards conquered by Cyrus king of Persia. They joined the other Grecians in the Ionian revolt; but were shamefully abandoned by the Samians, Lesbians, and others of their allies; so that they were again reduced under the yoke of the Persians, who treated them with the utmost severity. They continued subject to them till the battle of Mycale, when they were restored to their ancient liberty: this they enjoyed till the downfall of the Persian empire, when they became subject to the Macedonian princes. In the time of the emperor Valpafan the island was reduced to the form of a Roman province; but the inhabitants were allowed to live according to their own laws under the superintendence of a praetor. It is now subject to the Turks, and is called Scio. See that article.