Although there are several Ancient references to the organic composition and use of the Sponge, much of its natural life cycle has still to be deciphered. We are similarly ignorant as to how long the Kalymnians have been involved in Sponge Fishing. Nevertheless it well known that the Sponges of the Eastern Mediterranean are of excellent quality and that the trading of Sponges originated from this area.

This fact is proved irrevocably by references made by Homer and Oppianus to the ‘gatherers of Sponges’ referring to the people living on the islands of the Aegean Sea. For millions of years, the Sponge, one of the simplest and oldest species of multicellular organisms, has retained its simplicity. The Sponge carries out all its functions of eating, breathing, reproducing and moving, entirely within its own cellular structure.

For centuries the people of Kalymnos have relied on Sponge fishing and their close relationship with the sea for their prosperity and good fortune. Their high standard of living and economic wellbeing led to such spectacular social and cultural growth that it is an understandable belief that, in comparison to the island’s actual potential, such progress made is largely greater than that of other islands. The Kalymnians were able to prosper whilst the people of other islands around them were forced to abandon their homes in search of a better livelihood.