Salamis Island
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 Salamis (Σαλαμίνα) |
|
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 37°58′ N 23°30′ E |
| Country | Greece |
| Periphery | Attica |
| Prefecture | Piraeus |
| Population | 30,962 source (2001) |
| Area | 95 km² |
| Population density | 382 /km² |
| Elevation | 20 m |
| Postal code | 189 00 |
| Area code | 210 |
| Licence plate code | Z |
| Website | www.salamina.gr |
The Greek island of Salamis (Greek, Modern: Σαλαμίνα Salamina, Ancient/Katharevousa: Σαλαμίς Salamis) is the largest island in the Saronic Gulf, about 1 nautical mile (2 km) off-coast from Piraeus. Paloukia Port is the main port, in size second only to Piraeus in Greece. The name Salamis is probably derived from Salam (chalam), meaning calm or peace, under which it was mentioned in Homer's writings. It also could have been named after Cychreus's mother (Cychreus was the first king of the island).
Salamis island is known for the Battle of Salamis, and is said to be the birthplace of Ajax and Euripides, the latter's birth being popularly placed on the day of the battle of Salamis.
In modern times, it is home to a Greek naval base which serves as headquarters for the Greek navy. The harbor was bombed by the German Luftwaffe in 1941, sinking the Greek battleships Kilkis and Lemnos.
Salamis or Salamina is also a municipality on the island. The current mayor in the last municipal elections taken place in 2002 is Evangelos Agapiou.
Contents |
[edit] Communities and villages (island)
- Agios Georgios
- Ampelakia
- Batsi
- Eantio
- Kaki Vigla
- Kynosoura
- Nafstathmos
- Paloukia
- Peristeria
- Salamina
- Steno
- Selinia
[edit] Historical population
| Year | Municipal population | Change | Municipal and Island population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | 20,807 | - | - |
| 1991 | 22,567 | 1,760/8.46% | 27,512 (municipality),, 34,272 (island) |
There is only one municipal boundary in the island and it, Ampelakia Salaminas, is bounded with the Saronic Gulf in the south and west.
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- http://www.salamina.gr/english/ - Official website of the Salamis municipality
| Municipalities and communities of the Piraeus Prefecture |
|---|
| Aegina • Agios Ioannis Rentis • Ampelakia • Drapetsona • Hydra • Keratsini • Korydallos • Kythera • Methana • Nikaia • Perama • Piraeus • Poros • Salamis • Spetses • Troizina |
| Agkistri • Antikythera |
