The island's mining activities date back to the 6th century BC when Serifos thrived economically as a vital part of the Athenian Alliance. The mines saw periods of operation spanning over a millennium, from the distant past to the 19th century, only to resurge until the 1960s.

In 1539, the Cyclades, including Serifos, fell victim to a raid by Barbarossa, a Turkish pirate with Greek origins.

One of the most pivotal moments in the island's history, as well as for all of Greece, occurred on August 21, 1916: the first bloody workers' revolution. This uprising was catalyzed by deplorable working conditions endured by the miners. Working tirelessly for a minimum of 14 hours each day, they were met with paltry wages that failed to correspond to the grueling nature of their labor. Inhaling toxic fumes in the mines led to severe respiratory problems, with many succumbing to lung diseases. Some miners even had to endure hours of walking to reach their workplace, barely glimpsing daylight as they toiled before dawn and well past dusk.

Driven to their limits, the miners revolted against these dire conditions, but most previous attempts had been brutally suppressed by heavily armed guardsmen. However, on that fateful day, the miners successfully overcame the company's resistance, resulting in the unfortunate loss of lives on both sides, with eight individuals losing their lives. This historic event unfolded at the mining sites in Mega Livadi.

In an act of defiance, they even resorted to explosives, severing the bridge that connected the two sides of the cove, crucial for mineral transportation. Today, the remnants of this bridge, known locally as "Skala," still stand, rusting away under the relentless forces of time, wind, and sea.

The miners' demands were not in vain, as they ultimately secured an 8-hour work shift. This revolutionary milestone served as the cornerstone for the establishment of the 8-hour workday throughout Greece, marking an enduring legacy of change born from adversity on the island of Serifos.