4th century: According to the tradition, the monastery is established by the Athenian monks Barnabas and Sophronios.
1286-1390: Donations of the Grand Komnenoi of Trebizond to the monastery. The monastery is extensively restored.
1364: Chrysobull of Alexios III Komnenos, which validated the land posession and the tax exemptions of the monastery.
1461: Abolition of the state of the Grand Komnenoi by the Ottomans.
1512: An official decree (firman) of Selim I recognizes the privileges of the Soumela monastery.
1686-1744: Period of financial prosperity. Excellent relationship with the archbishops of Chaldia, who controlled the silver mines in the area.
1860-5: Bishopric of Rodopolis. Abolition of the restrictive measures against the cryptochristians. Another period of prosperity for the monastery.
1923: The monastery is abandoned.