Known as "Ophioussa" (Οφιούσσα, "snake island") and "Pityoussa" (Πιτυούσσα, "pine-tree island") in antiquity, during the later Middle Ages the island was ruled by a number of non-Greek powers and was known as Scio (Genoese), Chio (Italian) and Sakız (صاقيز —Ottoman Turkish).
Coñecido como "Ophioussa" (Οφιούσσα, "illa da serpe") e "Pityoussa" (Πιτυούσσα, "illa dos piñeiros") na antigüidade, no final da Idade Media a illa foi gobernada por varias potencias non-gregas e foi coñecida como Scio (xenovés), Chio (italiano) e Sakız (صاقيز — turco otomán).