Trade began to develop between the Parians and the Phoenicians and Paros turned into a major maritime power which by the 8th century B.C. controlled sea communications in the Aegean, in the North and along the coast of Thrace. In 708 B.C. a group of Parians colonised the island of Thasos, which was rich in deposits of various matals. In the 6th century, the neighbour island of Naxos replaced Paros as the centre of power in the Cyclades.

During a period that is notable for conflict between the democratic and oligarchic forms of goverment in Paros, it was only natural that war should break out between the two islands and continue for many years.