Salamis Island
Encyclopedia
Salamis is the largest Greek
island in the Saronic Gulf
, about 1 nautical mile
(2 km) off-coast from Piraeus
and about 16 km west of Athens
. The chief city, Salamina (city)
, lies in the west-facing core of the crescent on Salamis Bay
, which opens into the Saronic Gulf. The island's main port, Paloukia, in size second only to Piraeus, is on the eastern side.
's writings. Some sources say it was named after the nymph
Salamis
, according to legend the mother of Cychreus, the first king of the island). Another theory, that is supported by modern linguistics, considers "Salamis" to come from the root "Sal-" (meaning salty water) and "-amis" (meaning the middle); thus Salamis = (the place) amid salt water.
Salamis was probably first colonised by Aegina
and later occupied by Megara
, but became an Athenian
possession in the time of Solon
or Peisistratos
, following the war between Athens and Megara around 600 BC. According to Strabo
, the ancient capital was at the south of the island;, and in classical times it was to the east, on the Kamatero Peninsula overlooking the Strait of Salamis; in modern times it is on the west.
Salamis island is known for the Battle of Salamis
, the decisive naval victory of the allied Greek
fleet, led by Themistocles
, over the Persian Empire in 480 BC
. It is said to be the birthplace of Ajax
and Euripides
, the latter's birth being popularly placed on the day of the battle. In modern times, it is home to Salamis Naval Base
, headquarters for the Hellenic Navy
.
The oldest known counting board
was discovered on the Greek island of Salamis in 1899. It is thought to have been used by the Babylonians in about 300 BC and is more of a gaming board rather than a calculating device. It is marble, about 150 x 75 x 4.5 cm, and has carved Greek symbols and parallel grooves.
During the German
invasion of Greece in World War II
, the harbor was bombed by the Luftwaffe
on April 23, 1941, sinking the Greek battleships Kilkis
and Lemnos
.
In the 1960s and 1970s, during the military junta
period, changes in land legislation allowed the subdivision of land plots. This opened the island to massive unplanned and unregulated urban and suburban development, including many weekend homes, especially along the northern and eastern coasts. The lack of corresponding investment in infrastructure, combined with heavy industry, has led to sea and beach pollution on this side of the island. There are, however, ongoing initiatives such as help from the European Union
’s Cohesion Fund
toward improving sewerage by 2008.
and the north side of the Kynosoura (Greek
: Κυνοσούρα = "dog tail") peninsula.
Salamis Island is very popular for holiday and weekend visits from the Athens and Piraeus area; its population rises to 300,000 in peak season of which ca. 31,000 are permanent inhabitants. This supports a strong service industry sector, with many cafes, bars, ouzeries
, taverna
s and consumer goods shops throughout the island. On the south of the island, away from the port, there are a number of less developed areas with good swimming beaches including those of Aianteio, Maroudi, Perani, Peristeria, Kolones, Saterli, Selenia and Kanakia.
region. Since the 2011 local government reform the island is administered as one municipality. Before, the island was divided into two municipalities, that became municipal units at the reform:
In the municipal unit of Salamina, which has a land area of 80.992 km² and a 2001 census population of 30,962, the chief population centre is the city of Salamina (also called Salamis, Salamis City or Koulouris, pop. 25,730 in 2001), consisting of the districts Alonia, Agios Minas, Agios Dimitrios, Agios Nikolaos, Boskos, Nea Salamina, Tsami and Vourkari. Its second-largest town is Aiánteio (pop. 4,456). In the municipal unit of Ampelakia, which has a land area of 15.169 km² and a population of 7,060, the largest towns are Ampelakia (pop. 4,537) and Selinia (2,346).
Most visitors who come to Salamina first arrive at Paloukia via ferryboats that run between Paloukia and Perama or Piraeus.
The area is adjacent to the Salamis Naval Base
(in Greek Nafstathmos), which is a major base of the Hellenic Navy.
The village in the medieval times and until the late-20th century was known as Moulki (Μούλκι).
In the region, there are churches of the 12th and the 11th century such as Saint John and Saint Dimitrios.
Interesting places to visit are:
In the mountain, there is a cave of archeological interest that has not been investigated yet. In the winter there are few tourists; it is more popular with vacationers from Athens during the summer months.
The beaches of Kaki Vigla are relatively clean and the area has pine and olive trees near the shore.
The area has a marina, which has yachts and fishing boats. The beaches of Peristeria are the cleanest of Salamis. The village is near the Cave of Euripides.
The area probably took its name, because the area is long and oblong, such as a dog' s tail. At the south side of area there are a few houses (Population 69). At the north there is a dockyard, which constructs and fixes any type of ship like: oilers, transports, containers etc.
Geography
Its geography includes residential areas around the area and farmlands in its outskirts. The mountains that features grasslands and barren land along with forests dominates the outer areas.
, French
or in German
like ECCE, FCE
, CPE
, ECPE and others. Many students from Salamis island also possess many computer skills. Many students also study abroad, usually in countries such as the United States
, United Kingdom
, Germany
, and France
. In the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, the pupils went to Italy
for studies since it was close to Greece
.
teams, Aias (Ajax) Salaminas
, Ampelakiakos F.C., A.E. Salaminas and Salaminomachoi
with: Famagusta
, Cyprus
(1998)
Greece
Greece , officially the Hellenic Republic , and historically Hellas or the Republic of Greece in English, is a country in southeastern Europe....
island in the Saronic Gulf
Saronic Gulf
The Saronic Gulf or Gulf of Aegina in Greece forms part of the Aegean Sea and defines the eastern side of the isthmus of Corinth. It is the eastern terminus of the Corinth Canal, which cuts across the isthmus.-Geography:The gulf includes the islands of; Aegina, Salamis, and Poros along with...
, about 1 nautical mile
Nautical mile
The nautical mile is a unit of length that is about one minute of arc of latitude along any meridian, but is approximately one minute of arc of longitude only at the equator...
(2 km) off-coast from Piraeus
Piraeus
Piraeus is a city in the region of Attica, Greece. Piraeus is located within the Athens Urban Area, 12 km southwest from its city center , and lies along the east coast of the Saronic Gulf....
and about 16 km west of Athens
Athens
Athens , is the capital and largest city of Greece. Athens dominates the Attica region and is one of the world's oldest cities, as its recorded history spans around 3,400 years. Classical Athens was a powerful city-state...
. The chief city, Salamina (city)
Salamina
The word Salamina may refer to* Salamis Island an Island in Greece* Salamina a town and municipality in Piraeus Prefecture in Greece* Salamina a town and municipality in the Caldas Department in Colombia...
, lies in the west-facing core of the crescent on Salamis Bay
Salamis Bay
Salamis Bay is a bay in Greece that connects with the Saronic Gulf to the west. The total length is approximately 10 km long from north east to west and about 4 km wide from north to south....
, which opens into the Saronic Gulf. The island's main port, Paloukia, in size second only to Piraeus, is on the eastern side.
History
Salamis is mentioned in HomerHomer
In the Western classical tradition Homer , is the author of the Iliad and the Odyssey, and is revered as the greatest ancient Greek epic poet. These epics lie at the beginning of the Western canon of literature, and have had an enormous influence on the history of literature.When he lived is...
's writings. Some sources say it was named after the nymph
Nymph
A nymph in Greek mythology is a female minor nature deity typically associated with a particular location or landform. Different from gods, nymphs are generally regarded as divine spirits who animate nature, and are usually depicted as beautiful, young nubile maidens who love to dance and sing;...
Salamis
Salamis (mythology)
Salamis was a nymph in Greek mythology, the daughter of the river god Asopus and Metope, daughter of the Ladon, another river god. She was carried away by Poseidon to the island which was named after her, whereupon she bore the god a son Cychreus who became king of the island....
, according to legend the mother of Cychreus, the first king of the island). Another theory, that is supported by modern linguistics, considers "Salamis" to come from the root "Sal-" (meaning salty water) and "-amis" (meaning the middle); thus Salamis = (the place) amid salt water.
Salamis was probably first colonised by Aegina
Aegina
Aegina is one of the Saronic Islands of Greece in the Saronic Gulf, from Athens. Tradition derives the name from Aegina, the mother of Aeacus, who was born in and ruled the island. During ancient times, Aegina was a rival to Athens, the great sea power of the era.-Municipality:The municipality...
and later occupied by Megara
Megara
Megara is an ancient city in Attica, Greece. It lies in the northern section of the Isthmus of Corinth opposite the island of Salamis, which belonged to Megara in archaic times, before being taken by Athens. Megara was one of the four districts of Attica, embodied in the four mythic sons of King...
, but became an Athenian
Athens
Athens , is the capital and largest city of Greece. Athens dominates the Attica region and is one of the world's oldest cities, as its recorded history spans around 3,400 years. Classical Athens was a powerful city-state...
possession in the time of Solon
Solon
Solon was an Athenian statesman, lawmaker, and poet. He is remembered particularly for his efforts to legislate against political, economic and moral decline in archaic Athens...
or Peisistratos
Peisistratos (Athens)
Peisistratos was a tyrant of Athens from 546 to 527/8 BC. His legacy lies primarily in his institution of the Panathenaic Festival and the consequent first attempt at producing a definitive version for Homeric epics. Peisistratos' championing of the lower class of Athens, the Hyperakrioi, can be...
, following the war between Athens and Megara around 600 BC. According to Strabo
Strabo
Strabo, also written Strabon was a Greek historian, geographer and philosopher.-Life:Strabo was born to an affluent family from Amaseia in Pontus , a city which he said was situated the approximate equivalent of 75 km from the Black Sea...
, the ancient capital was at the south of the island;, and in classical times it was to the east, on the Kamatero Peninsula overlooking the Strait of Salamis; in modern times it is on the west.
Salamis island is known for the Battle of Salamis
Battle of Salamis
The Battle of Salamis was fought between an Alliance of Greek city-states and the Persian Empire in September 480 BCE, in the straits between the mainland and Salamis, an island in the Saronic Gulf near Athens...
, the decisive naval victory of the allied Greek
Greece
Greece , officially the Hellenic Republic , and historically Hellas or the Republic of Greece in English, is a country in southeastern Europe....
fleet, led by Themistocles
Themistocles
Themistocles ; c. 524–459 BC, was an Athenian politician and a general. He was one of a new breed of politicians who rose to prominence in the early years of the Athenian democracy, along with his great rival Aristides...
, over the Persian Empire in 480 BC
480 BC
Year 480 BC was a year of the pre-Julian Roman calendar. At the time, it was known as the Year of the Consulship of Vibulanus and Cincinnatus...
. It is said to be the birthplace of Ajax
Ajax (mythology)
Ajax or Aias was a mythological Greek hero, the son of Telamon and Periboea and king of Salamis. He plays an important role in Homer's Iliad and in the Epic Cycle, a series of epic poems about the Trojan War. To distinguish him from Ajax, son of Oileus , he is called "Telamonian Ajax," "Greater...
and Euripides
Euripides
Euripides was one of the three great tragedians of classical Athens, the other two being Aeschylus and Sophocles. Some ancient scholars attributed ninety-five plays to him but according to the Suda it was ninety-two at most...
, the latter's birth being popularly placed on the day of the battle. In modern times, it is home to Salamis Naval Base
Salamis Naval Base
The Salamis Naval Base or Naval Dock Salamis is the largest naval base in Greece. It is located in the northeastern part of Salamis Island and in Amphiali and Skaramanga. It is close to the major population centres of Athens and Piraeus....
, headquarters for the Hellenic Navy
Hellenic Navy
The Hellenic Navy is the naval force of Greece, part of the Greek Armed Forces. The modern Greek navy has its roots in the naval forces of various Aegean Islands, which fought in the Greek War of Independence...
.
The oldest known counting board
Counting board
The counting board is precursor of the abacus, and the earliest known form of a counting device . Counting boards were made of stone or wood, and the counting was done on the board with beads, or pebbles etc. Not many boards survive because of the perishable materials used in their construction...
was discovered on the Greek island of Salamis in 1899. It is thought to have been used by the Babylonians in about 300 BC and is more of a gaming board rather than a calculating device. It is marble, about 150 x 75 x 4.5 cm, and has carved Greek symbols and parallel grooves.
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
invasion of Greece in World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, the harbor was bombed by the Luftwaffe
Luftwaffe
Luftwaffe is a generic German term for an air force. It is also the official name for two of the four historic German air forces, the Wehrmacht air arm founded in 1935 and disbanded in 1946; and the current Bundeswehr air arm founded in 1956....
on April 23, 1941, sinking the Greek battleships Kilkis
Greek Battleship Kilkis
Kilkis was a 13,000 ton Mississippi-class battleship originally built by the US Navy in 1904–1908. The Greek Navy purchased the ship in 1914, along with her sister , renamed Limnos. Kilkis was named for the Battle of Kilkis-Lahanas, a crucial engagement of the Second Balkan War...
and Lemnos
Greek Battleship Limnos
Limnos, sometimes spelled Lemnos , was a 13,000 ton Mississippi-class Greek battleship named for a crucial naval battle of the First Balkan War.-History of the ship:...
.
In the 1960s and 1970s, during the military junta
Greek military junta of 1967-1974
The Greek military junta of 1967–1974, alternatively "The Regime of the Colonels" , or in Greece "The Junta", and "The Seven Years" are terms used to refer to a series of right-wing military governments that ruled Greece from 1967 to 1974...
period, changes in land legislation allowed the subdivision of land plots. This opened the island to massive unplanned and unregulated urban and suburban development, including many weekend homes, especially along the northern and eastern coasts. The lack of corresponding investment in infrastructure, combined with heavy industry, has led to sea and beach pollution on this side of the island. There are, however, ongoing initiatives such as help from the European Union
European Union
The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 independent member states which are located primarily in Europe. The EU traces its origins from the European Coal and Steel Community and the European Economic Community , formed by six countries in 1958...
’s Cohesion Fund
Structural Funds and Cohesion Funds
The Structural Funds and the Cohesion Fund are financial tools set up to implement the Cohesion policy also referred to as the Regional policy of the European Union. They aim to reduce regional disparities in terms of income, wealth and opportunities...
toward improving sewerage by 2008.
Geography
Salamis has an area of 36 square miles; its highest point is Mavrovouni (1325 feet). A significant part of Salamis Island is rocky and mountainous. On the southern part of the island a pine forest is located, which is unusual for western Attica. Unfortunately, this forest is often a target for fires. While the inland inhabitants are mainly employed within the agricultural sector, the majority of Salamis' inhabitants work in maritime occupations (fishing, ferries, and the island's shipyards) or commute to work in Athens. The maritime industry is focused on the north-east coast of the island at the port of Paloukia (Παλούκια), where ferries to mainland Greece are based, and in the dockyards of AmpelakiaAmpelakia
Ampelakia is a town and a former municipality of Salamis Island, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Salamis, of which it is a municipal unit....
and the north side of the Kynosoura (Greek
Greek language
Greek is an independent branch of the Indo-European family of languages. Native to the southern Balkans, it has the longest documented history of any Indo-European language, spanning 34 centuries of written records. Its writing system has been the Greek alphabet for the majority of its history;...
: Κυνοσούρα = "dog tail") peninsula.
Salamis Island is very popular for holiday and weekend visits from the Athens and Piraeus area; its population rises to 300,000 in peak season of which ca. 31,000 are permanent inhabitants. This supports a strong service industry sector, with many cafes, bars, ouzeries
Ouzo
Ouzo is an anise-flavored aperitif that is widely consumed in Greece and Cyprus, and a symbol of Greek culture.-History:Traditionally, tsipouro is said to have been the pet project of a group of 14th century monks living in a monastery on holy Mount Athos. One version of it is flavored with anise...
, taverna
Taverna
Taverna refers to a small restaurant serving Greek cuisine, not to be confused with "tavern". The Greek word is ταβέρνα and is originally derived from the Latin word taberna...
s and consumer goods shops throughout the island. On the south of the island, away from the port, there are a number of less developed areas with good swimming beaches including those of Aianteio, Maroudi, Perani, Peristeria, Kolones, Saterli, Selenia and Kanakia.
Municipality
Salamis Island belongs to the Islands regional unit of the AtticaAttica
Attica is a historical region of Greece, containing Athens, the current capital of Greece. The historical region is centered on the Attic peninsula, which projects into the Aegean Sea...
region. Since the 2011 local government reform the island is administered as one municipality. Before, the island was divided into two municipalities, that became municipal units at the reform:
- SalaminaSalamina (city)Salamina City , or Kulluri ) is the largest town and a former municipality on Salamis Island in Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Salamis, of which it is the seat and a municipal unit....
- AmpelakiaAmpelakiaAmpelakia is a town and a former municipality of Salamis Island, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Salamis, of which it is a municipal unit....
In the municipal unit of Salamina, which has a land area of 80.992 km² and a 2001 census population of 30,962, the chief population centre is the city of Salamina (also called Salamis, Salamis City or Koulouris, pop. 25,730 in 2001), consisting of the districts Alonia, Agios Minas, Agios Dimitrios, Agios Nikolaos, Boskos, Nea Salamina, Tsami and Vourkari. Its second-largest town is Aiánteio (pop. 4,456). In the municipal unit of Ampelakia, which has a land area of 15.169 km² and a population of 7,060, the largest towns are Ampelakia (pop. 4,537) and Selinia (2,346).
Population
As of the mid-20th century, the majority of the inhabitants were Arvanite; a thing that changed during the past 20 years due to settlement of a lot of Athenians on the island to the degree that nowadays Arvanites are a fraction of the population, living mainly in Salamina town, Ampelakia and Moulki (Aianteion). The island is known in Arvanitika as Κȣλλȣρι ("Koullouri").| Year | Salamina (town) | Salamina (municipality) | Salamis (island) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | 20,807 | 25,215 | 30,402 |
| 1991 | 22,567 | 27,582 | 34,342 |
| 2001 | 25,730 | 30,962 | 38,022 |
Paloukia
Paloukia (Greek: Παλούκια) (Population 1.695) which means Poles in English, is located in the northeast of the island. Many ferryboats, fishing vessels and port police craft dock in this harbor. Paloukia is the base for the port police department of Salamina.Most visitors who come to Salamina first arrive at Paloukia via ferryboats that run between Paloukia and Perama or Piraeus.
The area is adjacent to the Salamis Naval Base
Salamis Naval Base
The Salamis Naval Base or Naval Dock Salamis is the largest naval base in Greece. It is located in the northeastern part of Salamis Island and in Amphiali and Skaramanga. It is close to the major population centres of Athens and Piraeus....
(in Greek Nafstathmos), which is a major base of the Hellenic Navy.
Aianteio
Aianteio or Aiantio or Eantio (Greek: Αιάντιον), (Modern Greek: Αιάντειο) (older forms Aiantio, Aiandion, Eantion and Eandion—transliteration may vary) is a large village in the southwestern part of Salamis Island and is named after Ajax, from Homer's Iliad, "King of the Salamis".The village in the medieval times and until the late-20th century was known as Moulki (Μούλκι).
In the region, there are churches of the 12th and the 11th century such as Saint John and Saint Dimitrios.
Interesting places to visit are:
- the oldest church in the island, Saint John the "Kalyvitis", which dates back in the 10th century and has remarkable hagiographies, and
- the monastery of Saint Nicolas which dates back in the 18th century and is situated in a forest.
Batsi
Batsi or Mpatsi (Greek, Modern: Μπατσί, Ancient/Katharevousa: -on), older forms Batsion is a little community (population 212) in the north of Salamis, in the municipality of Salamis, located at the foot of a piney mountain, about 6 to 8 km E of Megara.In the mountain, there is a cave of archeological interest that has not been investigated yet. In the winter there are few tourists; it is more popular with vacationers from Athens during the summer months.
Kaki Vigla
Kaki Vigla (Greek: Κακή Βίγλα), (translated Bad View in Greek) is a small community (Population 236) located at the south of Salamis Island, near Aianteio.The beaches of Kaki Vigla are relatively clean and the area has pine and olive trees near the shore.
Peristeria
Peristeria (Greek: Περιστέρια) (Population 456) is a small village at the southeast of Salamis Island, 45 km from Salamis City. It took its name from the bird of peace, the pigeon (Greek: περιστέρι), because it is a calm, peaceful and isolated place, away from the cars and from noise. Another interpretation says that its name may be derived from the doves which were living and had nests in the area.The area has a marina, which has yachts and fishing boats. The beaches of Peristeria are the cleanest of Salamis. The village is near the Cave of Euripides.
Psili Ammos
Psili Ammos (Greek: Ψιλή Άμμος) (Population 271), which means Fine Sand is so named because it is covered with sand. The area is located at the northwest of the island opposite of Elefsina. In the area there is one of the oldest landmarks, a church building of island, the chantry of Saint Grigorios (Saint Gregory).Steno
Steno (Greek: Στενό) (Population 985), which means Narrow in Greek, is a small community in the northwest of Salamis Island. The area is separated from Fanaromeni Monastery by a hill with shrubs and pine trees. The area is adjacent to the bay of Agios Georgios. Steno has wide and well-planned roads.Vasilika
Vasilika (Greek: Βασιλικά) (Population 4.264) which means Royally is a big village in Salamis Island, located in the northwest of the island. Vasilika is the third area in Salamis by population after Salamis City and Aianteio. Vasilika has a sandy large beach apt for swimming.Xeno
Xeno (Greek: Ξένο) (Population 786) which means Foreign in English is located at the northwest of the island. The area took this name because the first residents who came in Xeno were not from Salamis but from the close areas of Pireaus.Kynosoura
Kynosoura or Kinosoura (Greek: Κυνόσουρα), which means the tail of dog (Greek: κυνός-ουρά) in Ancient and Modern Greek, is a small peninsula at Salamis Island, located in the east of island.The area probably took its name, because the area is long and oblong, such as a dog' s tail. At the south side of area there are a few houses (Population 69). At the north there is a dockyard, which constructs and fixes any type of ship like: oilers, transports, containers etc.
Selinia
Selinia (Greek: Σελήνια)(Population 2.523) is one of the resorts of Salamis Island, Greece, located a few kilometers southeast of Salamis city . Selinia used to be the weekend resort of many Athenians due to its proximity to Piraeus and Athens. Selinia also features restaurants and taverns.Geography
Its geography includes residential areas around the area and farmlands in its outskirts. The mountains that features grasslands and barren land along with forests dominates the outer areas.
Culture
Famous mythological and ancient people
- Ajax the GreatAjax (mythology)Ajax or Aias was a mythological Greek hero, the son of Telamon and Periboea and king of Salamis. He plays an important role in Homer's Iliad and in the Epic Cycle, a series of epic poems about the Trojan War. To distinguish him from Ajax, son of Oileus , he is called "Telamonian Ajax," "Greater...
, the legendary king of Salamis island, son of Telamon and half-brother of Teucer - CychreusCychreus (mythology)Cychreus, in Greek mythology, was the son of Poseidon and Salamis, daughter of the river god Asopus.-Stories:Depending upon the version of the myth, Cychreus either became the king of Salamis, or else went on a rampage there, because of his hotheaded nature, and was driven away by Eurelochus.Either...
, the first king of Salamis Island - EuripidesEuripidesEuripides was one of the three great tragedians of classical Athens, the other two being Aeschylus and Sophocles. Some ancient scholars attributed ninety-five plays to him but according to the Suda it was ninety-two at most...
, tragedianTragedyTragedy is a form of art based on human suffering that offers its audience pleasure. While most cultures have developed forms that provoke this paradoxical response, tragedy refers to a specific tradition of drama that has played a unique and important role historically in the self-definition of...
(485 or 480 B.C. - 406 B.C.) - TelamonTelamonIn Greek mythology, Telamon , son of the king Aeacus, of Aegina, and Endeis and brother of Peleus, accompanied Jason as one of his Argonauts, and was present at the hunt for the Calydonian Boar. In the Iliad he was the father of Greek heroes Ajax the Great and Teucer the Archer by different...
, the king of Salamis Island, father of Ajax the Great and Teucer - TeucerTeucerIn Greek mythology Teucer, also Teucrus or Teucris , was the son of King Telamon of Salamis Island and his second wife Hesione, daughter of King Laomedon of Troy. He fought alongside his half-brother, Ajax, in the Trojan War and is the legendary founder of the city Salamis on Cyprus...
, the half-brother of Ajax the Great, son of Telamon, warrior of Trojan WarTrojan WarIn Greek mythology, the Trojan War was waged against the city of Troy by the Achaeans after Paris of Troy took Helen from her husband Menelaus, the king of Sparta. The war is among the most important events in Greek mythology and was narrated in many works of Greek literature, including the Iliad...
, and founder of the city-stateCity-stateA city-state is an independent or autonomous entity whose territory consists of a city which is not administered as a part of another local government.-Historical city-states:...
of SalamisSalamis, CyprusSalamis was an ancient Greek city-state on the east coast of Cyprus, at the mouth of the river Pedieos, 6 km north of modern Famagusta. According to tradition the founder of Salamis was Teucer, son of Telamon, who could not return home after the Trojan war because he had failed to avenge his...
, CyprusCyprusCyprus , officially the Republic of Cyprus , is a Eurasian island country, member of the European Union, in the Eastern Mediterranean, east of Greece, south of Turkey, west of Syria and north of Egypt. It is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea.The earliest known human activity on the...
.
Modern celebrities
- Georgios KaraiskakisGeorgios KaraiskakisGeorgios Karaiskakis born Georgios Iskos was a famous Greek klepht, armatolos, military commander, and a hero of the Greek War of Independence.- Early life :...
(c.1780-1827), Greek War of IndependenceGreek War of IndependenceThe Greek War of Independence, also known as the Greek Revolution was a successful war of independence waged by the Greek revolutionaries between...
hero, is buried on Salamis. - Dimitrios MpogrisDimitrios MpogrisDimitrios Mpogris or Bogris was a famous Greek playwright of Hellenic theater. He was born in Salamis Island in 1890. He studied in Athens and Paris natural sciences...
(1890–1964), playwrightPlaywrightA playwright, also called a dramatist, is a person who writes plays.The term is not a variant spelling of "playwrite", but something quite distinct: the word wright is an archaic English term for a craftsman or builder... - Polychronis Lempesis (1848–1913), painterPaintingPainting is the practice of applying paint, pigment, color or other medium to a surface . The application of the medium is commonly applied to the base with a brush but other objects can be used. In art, the term painting describes both the act and the result of the action. However, painting is...
- Angelos SikelianosAngelos SikelianosAngelos Sikelianos was a Greek lyric poet and playwright. He wrote on national history, religious symbolism, and universal harmony in poems such as The Light-Shadowed, Prologue to Life, Mother of God, and Delphic Utterance...
(1884–1951), poetPoetA poet is a person who writes poetry. A poet's work can be literal, meaning that his work is derived from a specific event, or metaphorical, meaning that his work can take on many meanings and forms. Poets have existed since antiquity, in nearly all languages, and have produced works that vary...
and playwrightPlaywrightA playwright, also called a dramatist, is a person who writes plays.The term is not a variant spelling of "playwrite", but something quite distinct: the word wright is an archaic English term for a craftsman or builder...
, whose cottage was near the Monastery of Faneromeni. - Giorgos PapasiderisGiorgos PapasiderisGiorgos Papasideris was a Greek singer, composer and lyricist of Arvanite origin. He was born on Salamis Island. After leaving elementary school, he spent his entire career working professionally in the field of traditional Greek folk music and Arvanite folk music, producing many popular...
(1902–1977), country singer, composerComposerA composer is a person who creates music, either by musical notation or oral tradition, for interpretation and performance, or through direct manipulation of sonic material through electronic media...
and lyricistLyricistA lyricist is a songwriter who specializes in lyrics. A singer who writes the lyrics to songs is a singer-lyricist. This differentiates from a singer-composer, who composes the song's melody.-Collaboration:... - Memos MpegnisMemos MpegnisMemos Mpegnis is a Greek actor. He plays in Hellenic television series and theatre. He also plays the piano extremely fluently and sings. He has had leading roles in many television series such as Akros Oikogeniakon , Mi mou les antio , Ston Ilio tou Aigaiou on the ANT1 channel.-External links:*...
(1974-), actorActorAn actor is a person who acts in a dramatic production and who works in film, television, theatre, or radio in that capacity... - Giorgos Vasileiou, actor, former representative of the Hellenic ParliamentHellenic ParliamentThe Hellenic Parliament , also the Parliament of the Hellenes, is the Parliament of Greece, located in the Parliament House , overlooking Syntagma Square in Athens, Greece....
and councilman of the Salamina municipality, has his permanent residence in the Batsi area.
Education
Salamis island has eleven primary schools (ten public and one private), four high schools and four lycees. The majority of students are proficient in school, and usually the pupils (above age 13) have acquired diplomas and certificates in EnglishEnglish language
English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
, French
French language
French is a Romance language spoken as a first language in France, the Romandy region in Switzerland, Wallonia and Brussels in Belgium, Monaco, the regions of Quebec and Acadia in Canada, and by various communities elsewhere. Second-language speakers of French are distributed throughout many parts...
or in German
German language
German is a West Germanic language, related to and classified alongside English and Dutch. With an estimated 90 – 98 million native speakers, German is one of the world's major languages and is the most widely-spoken first language in the European Union....
like ECCE, FCE
First Certificate in English
The First Certificate in English is one of the examinations available from University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations in England. Its possession proves one's adequacy in the English language, and its successful completion means that one is able to interact socially efficiently.- Sections :The test...
, CPE
Certificate of Proficiency in English
The Certificate of Proficiency in English or CPE is the most advanced general English exam provided by University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations. The English level of those who have passed the CPE is supposed to be similar to that of a fairly educated native speaker of English...
, ECPE and others. Many students from Salamis island also possess many computer skills. Many students also study abroad, usually in countries such as the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
, Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
, and France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
. In the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, the pupils went to Italy
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
for studies since it was close to Greece
Greece
Greece , officially the Hellenic Republic , and historically Hellas or the Republic of Greece in English, is a country in southeastern Europe....
.
Recreational areas
On Salamis island, a visitor can find many bars, cafeterias, beaches, shops, with different views of Salamis Bay. The main cafeterias and bars are based at the area of Agios Nikolaos, which is at the west suburbs of Salamis city. The district took its name from the church of the same name. Taverns and inns are in every place of the island with their local food and dishes. The shops are opened from 8:00 up until 2:00 in the morning and at 5:30 to 9:00 in the afternoons during weekdays (also open from 9:00 to 1:30 in the mornings and 6:00 to 8:30 in the afternoons during Saturdays). Salamina has a plethora of shops for clothes, souvenirs, appliances, vehicles, and computers.Sports
Salamis island has four footballFootball (soccer)
Association football, more commonly known as football or soccer, is a sport played between two teams of eleven players with a spherical ball...
teams, Aias (Ajax) Salaminas
Aias Salamina F.C.
Aias Salaminas F.C. or Aias Salamina F.C. is a Greek football team founded in 1931.-History:In the 1960s and 1970s it played in high leagueas against the likes of Olympiacos, Panathinaikos, AEK Athens or PAOK, and many others...
, Ampelakiakos F.C., A.E. Salaminas and Salaminomachoi
Local newspapers and magazines
- Salaminiaki Protoporia (Salaminian Vanguard)
- Anatropes (Tippings )
- I Enotita tis Salaminas (The Unity of Salamis)
- I Nea Salamina (The New Salamis)
- I Foni tis Salaminas (The Voice of Salamis)
- Neo Ithos tis Salaminas (New Morale of Salamis)
- Apopsi (Opinion)
- Palmos tis Salaminas (Pulse of Salamis)
- Athlitikoi Palmoi (Athletic Vibrations)
- Politis me dikaioma ( Citizen with rights)
- Sports Week Salamina
- 30 Imeres tis Salaminas (30 Days of Salamina)
Landmarks
| Landmark | Year of construction | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Faneromeni Monastery | 15th century | Faneromeni |
| Chantry of Saint George | around 1250 | Agios Georgios |
| Euripideio Theatre | 1993 | in suburbs of Salamis City (in hill Patris) |
| Church of Saint Dimitrios | 1806 | center of Salamis City (in hononymous district) |
| The Cave of Euripides The Cave of Euripides The Cave of Euripides is a ten-chamber cave in Peristeria on Salamis Island, Greece, and the subject of archaeological investigation. Its name comes from its long reputation as the place where the playwright Euripides came for sanctuary to write his tragedies.... |
450 BC | at south Salamis Island (near Peristeria) |
| The Cottage of Angelos Sikelianos | 1935 | Faneromeni |
| The Stone Lighthouse | 1901 | Peristeria |
| The bust of Georgios Karaiskakis | 1982 | center of Salamis City (in Vourkari district) |
| The Windmills | 19th century | in suburbs of Salamis City (in a hill) |
| Chantry of Prophet Elias | early of 20th century | Salamis City (in a stone hill) |
| Chantry of Saint Grygorios | 12th century | Psili Ammos |
| The Stony small Theater | 1990 | Selinia |
| The City Hall of Salamis | 2000 | Salamis City |
| The Monastery of Saint Nicolaos | 17th century | at south Salamis Island (near Kanakia) |
| The Church of Saint John the Kalyvitis | 11th century | at south Salamis Island (near Kanakia) |
| The Folklore Museum | 2000 | it ' s lodging at Salamis City Hall |
| The Mansion of Galeos Family | 19th century | at Salamis center (at Agios Minas district) |
| The Church of Saint Minas | 1869 | at Salamis City (at Agios Minas district) |
International relations
Salamis Island is twinnedTown twinning
Twin towns and sister cities are two of many terms used to describe the cooperative agreements between towns, cities, and even counties in geographically and politically distinct areas to promote cultural and commercial ties.- Terminology :...
with: Famagusta
Famagusta
Famagusta is a city on the east coast of Cyprus and is capital of the Famagusta District. It is located east of Nicosia, and possesses the deepest harbour of the island.-Name:...
, Cyprus
Cyprus
Cyprus , officially the Republic of Cyprus , is a Eurasian island country, member of the European Union, in the Eastern Mediterranean, east of Greece, south of Turkey, west of Syria and north of Egypt. It is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea.The earliest known human activity on the...
(1998)