According to the predominant version, Corfu was part of Greece’s mainland during the Paleolithic era, the creation of an independent island occurred during Neolithic era (10.000-8.000 B.C.) when the ice melted and the level of the sea rose. Neolithic traces were found in Sidari. Also, in Kefali, Afionas and Ermones, archeological excavations uncovered Bronze Age settlements.
The first Greek colonization of the island dates back to 775 -740 B.C. by the Eretrians from Euboea, soon followed by Dorian refugees from Corinth in 750 B.C. who created a strong colony. A few years later, the ancient city of Paleopolis was found by Corinthians since they had expelled the Eretrians. Corfu became an important commercial center with a strong naval force, independent from Corinth. The strong political power however divided the island into two, the Democrats and the Oligarchs. Corfu requested support from the Athenians, giving rise to the well-known Peloponnesian war. Corfu’s alliance with Athens lasted a century until 338 BC. At that point the Macedonians under King Philip II took control. King Philip II domination was followed by the Spartans, the Syracusians, the Illyrians and finally the Romans.
Under the Romans reign, public works such as roads and buildings were built and Christianity was spread, by the assistance of Jason and Sosipatros, disciples of Saint Paul. Corfu was also inhabited for several centuries by the Normans and the Franks before falling under the Venetian Rule.
The Venetian domination lasted for four centuries and determined Corfu’s unique profile. Corfiots got familiar with a highly intellectual way of life. However, in 1797 Venice surrender Napoleon Bonaparte’s empire and Corfu became part of the French state. 
The ideology of the French Revolution inspired the locals who began dreaming of their own independence. So, in the year 1814 and under the British Rule, the Ionian Islands were declared an independent state which led to economic recovery, extended road network construction and the establishment of emblematic institutions as the first Greek University and the Ionian Academy.