These two ruined windmills, in a field on the hill northwest of Chora, are all that remain of the local wind revolution. We have not yet found out how old these mills are, but it is known that windmills were in use in the Aegean from the 16th century. See, for example, windmills built in 1588 on the nearby island of Patmos.

During the Rennaissance ancient technologies were rediscovered or reinvented in Europe, and mills using machinery powered by wind and water spread appeared all over the continent, as well as in other places such as western Turkey. The widespread use of such machines on an industrial scale eventually led to the Industrial Revolution, and steam then electricity replaced natural energy. Windmills became redundant and most were demolished, their materials recycled.

In many places (for example Lassithi in Crete) people realized too late that windmills were important part of their scientific and cultural heritage, not to mention their picturesque aspect as tourist attractions. Since the windmills of Mykonos became a trademark of the island, many ruined windmills in Greece have been restored.

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