Greek Sponge Trade, Dodecanese Islands

Since the ancient time the Greek sponge trade thrived at the Dodecanese islands. In the 19th century sponge has changed the social and economic history of Greece when sponge trade was all the rage. Europe couldn’t get enough of sponge. Greek traders made quick fortunes from the European sponge boom. Introduction of synthetic sponge and over-harvesting put an end to this lucrative trade but wealth generated by sponge boom gave push to economy of the Dodecanese Islands for many years after.