The relations between the two national groups and the every day life in Genoese Chios.

The occupation of the island by the admiral Simone Vignoso on behalf of the Genoese signaled the emigration of Genoese citizens to Chios, who received lands so as to settle down and establish themselves permanently in the island. Undoubtedly, the Genoese did not arrive to Chios so as to become farmers or feudal lords depending on their social rank. The majority of them were seriously interested in the Levant in general and in Chios in particular because these places constituted outposts of trade with the Middle East and Eastern Europe. The Genoese set the financial standards based on their trade priorities and very soon the Economic life of Chios started to rapidly develop. The lowest social classes dealt with land cultivation and were also engaged with small businesses based on the practice of the traditional arts and crafts. However, the nobles from both sides got involved with commerce, particularly focusing their efforts on mastic, silk and cotton trade. Of course the Genoese population that arrived introduced their know-how in arts, crafts and industries and their most eminent members participated in the administration of the island.

However, very soon the close contact with the Greek islanders greatly influenced some of the Genoese residents that gradually adopted the local customs and codes of practice regarding clothes, social behaviour and manners. The Hellenized attitude of some Genoese was coupled by the social phenomenon of mixed marriages between Greeks and Latins. Examples of Genoese families that became related to Greek families by intermarriage were the Salvago (see photo 5, Salvago’s mansion in Chios), Grimaldi and the Casanova, whilst Greek families like the Coressi and the Argenti (see photo 6) are to mention as examples from the distinguished Greek population. 

The common interests between the Greek aristocracy (Archontes) and the Mahonesi were strengthened by the lack of political and military response and support coming from Constantinople. The native local elite soon realized that were left unaided by the Byzantine authorities that gradually handed in the island to the Genoese. Inevitably, their main concern became to preserve their rank and possessions on the island. The Schilizzis owned possessions in the area of Engremos and at Koukounaria in Campos. The Agelastos family (see photo 7) had properties in the Koini village, at Ghiazo and Francovouni. The family of Argenti was established in various locations in Campos (Talaros) and in the Vlataria district near the castle. The Coressis held a fortified tower at Lithi and possessed estates in Campos. The Genoese on the other hand did not interfere with the Greek interests as much as possible and they respected the rank, faith, privileges of the local elite, maintaining if not increasing the high standard of living of the inhabitants. They governed the island with prudence and the abuse of political power was limited.   

The libro d’Oro of Genoa contains some of the Chian families of Greek descent, registered with the 28 Alberghi associations that could participate in the Republic’s administration after 1528. These families had acquired blood relations with some of the noble Genoese family by intermarriage. For example, in the Albergo of the Calvi the Coressi family was registered (the surname Calvocoressi derived from that union), the Casanovas joined the Sauli, the Argentis the Albergo of Gentile, the Paterio family the one of Grimaldi.