Filakopi, apart from being an important center of Cycladic culture, is also considered one of the first cities in Europe with a history of over 1500 years.

The settlement began to be inhabited as early as 3000 BC, having gone through three historical periods. In the 1st historical period (2300-2000 BC) the settlement is about 200 meters, does not have an organized road layout, but presents an organized cemetery. At the same time, during that period, the use of stone was revealed and the exports of obsidian multiplied. In the 2nd period (2000-1600 BC) walls are built to prevent any raids, while the houses are in a staggered arrangement on the hill. During this period the ceramic art developed especially. This period ends with the destruction of Filakopi, probably by fire, while with the construction of the third settlement, the 3rd historical period begins (1600 BC-1110 BC). During this period Filakopi presents an organized, complex road plan, fortifications with high cyclopean walls over 6 meters thick and larger houses, some of which have two floors.At the beginning of this period the influence of the Minoan civilization was strong (fragments of a plate engraved with the Minoan Linear A were found).

Around 1400 a Mycenaean-style palace with many rooms and a two-room sanctuary was built. Works of high sculpture and ceramic art are also produced, most importantly the “Lady of Filakopi”. From 1200 BC. the city of Filakopi ceases to be a commercial center and begins to decline until it is completely abandoned in 1100 BC.