The medieval Mastihohoria, or Mastiha Villages of Southern Chios, stand as living testaments to the rich cultural heritage shaped by the sacred Mastiha tree. Rooted deeply in the soil of Chios, these settlements are more than mere points on a map; they are monuments to the enduring guardianship of tradition and the stewardship of nature that define our essence at Mastiha Roots.
The Roots of Resilience: Weathering Time and Change
Dating back to Byzantine times, these villages have weathered centuries of change, their resilience a mirror to the Mastiha tree’s own. It was under the Genoese Occupation (1346–1566) that the cultivation of Chios Mastiha was refined and systematized, birthing 24 villages designed not just for habitation but as fortresses safeguarding the precious Mastiha resin.
Strategically hidden from the eyes of Aegean marauders, their layout speaks to a legacy of protection, innovation, and communal wellbeing—principles that guide us at Mastiha Roots today.
Join Our Alliance for Nature
Explore the depth of Mastihohoria’s history and its vibrant present on the website of The Chios Mastiha Growers Association. Delve into each village’s unique story and discover how, together, we are part of a larger movement—a network of sustainability and stewardship that spans industries and continents.
Join us in celebrating the simple joys of good health, the richness of cultural heritage, and the beauty of Mastiha in all its forms. Together, let’s cultivate a world where authenticity reigns, where nature is revered, and where every experience is a celebration of life itself.
