Aonia was a district of ancient Boeotia, containing the mountains Helicon and Cithaeron, and thus sacred to the Muses, who are called by Alexander Pope the "Aonian maids." The band began as the brainchild of bassist Rob and rhythm guitarist Graham.in 2006. They had been playing together for about a year when they decided to start a project. Rob was also, separately but simultaneously, rehearsing with Tom, who also wanted to set up a band. Graham and Tony had been in a previous band, Fate Untold, five years previously, and so Tony agreed to become the unnamed project's drummer.