We have very little historical information concerning Kimolos. It is believed that in antiquity it was known by the name Ehinoussa. Mythologically, it took its present name by its first settler, Kimolos. Its history is closely connected with Milos as both islands shared a common fate. During the Middle Ages, it was conquered by the Venetians, which named it Arzandiera. It suffered pirate raids all through the Venetian and Turkish rule and was finally devastated in the late 18th century.