Salamis Island

The traditional etymology of Salamis derives it from the eponymous nymph Salamis, the mother of Cychreus, the legendary first king of the island. A more modern theory considers "Salamis" to come from the root sal 'salt' and -amis 'middle'; thus Salamis would be the place amid salt water. A theory presented by Martin Bernal in his book Black Athena, which has been overwhelmingly rejected by orientalists, classicists and archaeologists, has attempted to connect the name to the Semitic root Š-L-M 'health, safety, peace', because of the well-sheltered harbor.Martin Bernal, Black Athena, p. 492

From at least the 13th century until the 19th century, the town, the island, and the bay of Salamis were called {{Lang|el-Latn|Koulouri}} ({{Lang|el|Κούλουρη}}),William Miller, The Latins in the Levant, a history of Frankish Greece (1204–1566), New York, 1908, p. [https://archive.org/stream/latinsinlevanta00millgoog#page/n41/mode/2up 18] because of its round shape ({{Lang|el|κόλουρο}}). The ancient name was revived in the 19th century.Peter Mackridge, Language and National Identity in Greece, 1766-1976, Oxford University Press, 2010, p. 22 The name Koulouri is still used informally for the town. The island is known in Arvanitika as {{Lang|aat|Κȣλλȣρι}} ("Kulluri").

File:Salamis 339-318 BC.jpg (shield of Ajax) and sword in sheath]]

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."Salamis", Oxford Dictionary of the Classical World, Ed. John Roberts. Oxford University Press, 2007. According to Strabo, the ancient capital was at the south of the island; 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.{{cite book|title=Greece – Blue Guide series|first1=Stuart|last1=Rossiter|first2=Ernest|last2=Benn|date=1981}}

According to Homer's Iliad, Salamis took part in the Trojan War with twelve ships under the leadership of Ajax ({{Lang|grc-Latn|Aias|italic=no}}).{{cite book|url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.01.0134%3Abook%3D2%3Acard%3D546|title=The Iliad|last=Homer}}

Salamis island is known for the Battle of Salamis, the decisive naval victory of the Athenian-led 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.

Arvanites were recorded among the inhabitants of the island in 1688. They lived in poverty as most of the Arvanites in Greece at the time.{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6aphAAAAMAAJ |title=International Journal of the Sociology of Language |date=1974 |publisher=Mouton |pages=66 |language=en}}

The oldest known counting board was discovered on Salamis Island in 1899.{{cite web|url=http://users.ju.edu/ssundbe/salamis.html |title=salamis |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080103213141/http://users.ju.edu/ssundbe/salamis.html |archive-date=January 3, 2008 }} It is thought to have been used by the Babylonians in about 300 BC and is more a gaming board than a calculating device. It is marble, about {{convert|150|x|75|x|4.5|cm|in|0|abbr=on}}, 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 {{ship|Greek battleship|Kilkis||2}} and {{ship|Greek battleship|Lemnos||2}}.{{cite web|url = http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/sh-fornv/greece/grksh-hl/kilkis.htm|title = Kilkis (Battleship, 1914–1941)|publisher = Naval Historical Center|archive-url = http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20121016074038/http%3A//www%2Ehistory%2Enavy%2Emil/photos//sh%2Dfornv/greece/grksh%2Dhl/kilkis%2Ehtm|archive-date= October 16, 2012 }}{{cite web|url = http://history.navy.mil/photos/sh-fornv/greece/grksh-hl/lemnos.htm|title = Lemnos (Battleship, 1914–1941)|publisher = Naval Historical Center|archive-url = http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20140706124657/http%3A//www%2Ehistory%2Enavy%2Emil/photos/sh%2Dfornv/greece/grksh%2Dhl/lemnos%2Ehtm|archive-date= July 6, 2014 }}

In the 1960s and 1970s, during the military junta period, changes in land legislation allowed the subdivision of land plots.{{cite web|url = http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/news/content.asp?aid=68833|title = One-sixth of houses are for vacation use|publisher = Kathimerini|date = April 19, 2006|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080318210707/http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/news/content.asp?aid=68833|archive-date = March 18, 2008}} 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.

An oil spill occurred off the coast of Salamis Island in September 2017.{{Cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/greek-island-bay-black-oil-spill-salamis-selinia-taker-sinks-ecological-disaster-athens-a7944291.html|title = Greek island bay turned black after crude oil spill| website=Independent.co.uk |date = 13 September 2017}}

File:Salamina Map.png

Salamina has an area of {{convert|93|km2||abbr=on}}; its highest point is Mavrovouni at {{convert|404|m|0|abbr=on}}. A significant part of Salamina is rocky and mountainous. On the southern part of the island a pine forest is located, which is unusual for western Attica. This forest is often a target for fires.{{cite web|url = http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/news/content.asp?aid=73930|title = Salamina, so near yet so unknown|author = Polyxeni Athanassoulia|publisher = Kathimerini|date = September 7, 2006|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080318210713/http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/news/content.asp?aid=73930|archive-date = March 18, 2008}}

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.{{cite web|url = http://reference.howstuffworks.com/salamis-encyclopedia.htm|title = Salamis|publisher = Howstuffworks|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080311151306/http://reference.howstuffworks.com/salamis-encyclopedia.htm|archive-date = March 11, 2008}}{{cite web|url=http://www.salamina.gr/english/index.htm|title=Salamis official website|archive-date=February 22, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090222020020/http://www.salamina.gr/english/index.htm }} The maritime industry is focused on the north-east coast of the island at the port of {{Lang|el-Latn|Paloukia}} ({{Lang|el|Παλούκια}}), where ferries to mainland Greece are based, and in the dockyards of Ampelakia and the north side of the Kynosoura peninsula.

Salamina is very popular for holiday and weekend visits from Athens mainland; its population rises to 300,000 in peak season of which c. 31,000 are permanent inhabitants. This supports a strong service industry sector, with many cafes, bars, ouzeries, tavernas 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.{{cite web|url = http://salamina.anatropes.gr/|title = Salamina|language = el|publisher = Anatropes|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100820081654/http://salamina.anatropes.gr/|archive-date = August 20, 2010}} However, tourism in the island could develop more. The island is currently partially restricted due to the presence of a naval base, and its proximity to the industrial port at Perama detracts from its appeal.{{Cite web |date=2023-06-20 |title=Why tourists shun Salamis, site of a great sea-battle |url=https://www.economist.com/europe/2020/10/08/why-tourists-shun-salamis-site-of-a-great-sea-battle |access-date=2024-07-22 |website=archive.is |archive-date=2023-06-20 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230620143602/https://www.economist.com/europe/2020/10/08/why-tourists-shun-salamis-site-of-a-great-sea-battle |url-status=bot: unknown }}

According to the meteorological station of the National Observatory of Athens and Harokopio University, Salamina has a hot semi-arid climate (Köppen climate classification: BSh) with mild winters and very hot summers.

{{Weather box|location = Salamina

|metric first = y

|single line = y

|Jan high C = 14.3

|Feb high C = 15.9

|Mar high C = 18.1

|Apr high C = 21.9

|May high C = 27.0

|Jun high C = 32.0

|Jul high C = 35.3

|Aug high C = 35.1

|Sep high C = 30.3

|Oct high C = 25.1

|Nov high C = 20.5

|Dec high C = 16.2

|Jan mean C = 11.0

|Feb mean C = 12.3

|Mar mean C = 14.1

|Apr mean C = 17.3

|May mean C = 22.2

|Jun mean C = 26.9

|Jul mean C = 30.2

|Aug mean C = 30.3

|Sep mean C = 26.0

|Oct mean C = 21.4

|Nov mean C = 17.2

|Dec mean C = 13.2

|Jan low C = 7.8

|Feb low C = 8.8

|Mar low C = 10.1

|Apr low C = 12.8

|May low C = 17.4

|Jun low C = 21.8

|Jul low C = 25.0

|Aug low C = 25.4

|Sep low C = 21.7

|Oct low C = 17.6

|Nov low C = 13.9

|Dec low C = 10.1

|rain colour = green

|Jan rain mm = 54.4

|Feb rain mm = 30.1

|Mar rain mm = 26.4

|Apr rain mm = 21.3

|May rain mm = 12.8

|Jun rain mm = 21.6

|Jul rain mm = 3.9

|Aug rain mm = 2.7

|Sep rain mm = 28.8

|Oct rain mm = 24.8

|Nov rain mm = 59.6

|Dec rain mm = 50.9

| Jan record high C = 25.9

| Feb record high C = 21.4

| Mar record high C = 24.9

| Apr record high C = 32.4

| May record high C = 34.6

| Jun record high C = 39.3

| Jul record high C = 41.6

| Aug record high C = 43.9

| Sep record high C = 37.1

| Oct record high C = 31.9

| Nov record high C = 30.8

| Dec record high C = 22.5

| Jan record low C = -1.0

| Feb record low C = 0.5

| Mar record low C = 0.9

| Apr record low C = 4.9

| May record low C = 11.9

| Jun record low C = 15.4

| Jul record low C = 19.2

| Aug record low C = 20.6

| Sep record low C = 14.8

| Oct record low C = 9.9

| Nov record low C = 6.5

| Dec record low C = 2.7

|source 1 = National Observatory of Athens and Harokopio University (Jun 2016 - Mar 2024), {{Cite web|url=https://www.meteo.gr/Monthly_Bulletins.cfm|title=Monthly Bulletins|website=www.meteo.gr}}{{cite web | url=http://meteoclima.hua.gr/stations/salamina/ | title=Ο καιρός στη Σαλαμίνα - Weather conditions in Salamina }} |source 2=World Meteorological Organization{{cite web | url=https://oscar.wmo.int/surface/#/search/station/stationReportDetails/0-300-1-salamina | title=World Meteorological Organization | accessdate=14 July 2023}}

}}

Salamina Island belongs to the Islands regional unit of the Attica 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:{{Cite web|url=http://www.et.gr/idocs-nph/search/pdfViewerForm.html?args=5C7QrtC22wGYK2xFpSwMnXdtvSoClrL8-SrPzKAEPjjtIl9LGdkF53UIxsx942CdyqxSQYNuqAGCF0IfB9HI6hq6ZkZV96FIukI0UzcPsWCK0LpLhpa7rhiWB4R5ntTnoWw7U8E1Amg.|title=ΦΕΚ A 87/2010, Kallikratis reform law text|language=el|publisher=Government Gazette}}

• Salamina
• Ampelakia

In the municipal unit of Salamina, which has a land area of {{convert|80.992|km²|3|abbr=on}}{{cite web|url=http://dlib.statistics.gr/Book/GRESYE_02_0101_00098%20.pdf|publisher=National Statistical Service of Greece|title=Population & housing census 2001 (incl. area and average elevation)|language=el}} and a 2011 census population of 31,776, the chief population centre is the city of Salamina (also called Salamis, Salamis City or Koulouris, pop. 25,888 in 2011), consisting of the districts Alonia, Agios Minas, Agios Dimitrios, Agios Nikolaos, Boskos, Nea Salamina, Tsami and Vourkari.{{Citation needed|date=September 2007}} Its second-largest town is Aiánteio (pop. 5,888). In the municipal unit of Ampelakia, which has a land area of {{convert|15.169|km²|3|abbr=on}} and a population of 7,507, the largest towns are Ampelakia (pop. 4,998) and Selinia (2,509).

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 the towns of Salamina, Ampelakia, and Moulki (Aianteion).Jochalas, Titos P. (1971): Über die Einwanderung der Albaner in Griechenland: Eine zusammenfassene Betrachtung ["On the immigration of Albanians to Greece: A summary"]. München: Trofenik.

File:Salamis Naval Base with LSTs and LSMs 1979.jpg]]

File:Batsi beach in Salamina.jpg

Paloukia (Greek: Παλούκια) 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 (in Greek {{Lang|el-Latn|Nafstathmos}}), which is a major base of the Hellenic Navy.

Aianteio ({{Lang|el|Αιάντειο}}; population 4,390 as of 2021) is a large village in the southwestern part of Salamis Island and is named after Ajax, the leader of the Salamineans from Homer's Iliad. The village was known as {{Lang|el-Latn|Moulki}} ({{Lang|el|Μούλκι}}) until 1915.{{cite web|url=http://pandektis.ekt.gr/pandektis/handle/10442/171220|title=Name changes of settlements in Greece}} In the region, there are churches from the 11th and 12th centuries 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 to the 10th century and has remarkable hagiographies
• the monastery of Saint Nicolas which dates back to the 18th century and is situated in a forest.

Batsi ({{Lang|el|Μπατσί}}; pop. 172) is a little community in the north of Salamis, in the municipality of Salamis, located at the foot of a piney mountain, about {{convert|6|to(-)|8|km|mi|frac=2|spell=in}} east 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.

File:The Stone Lighthouse, 1901, Peristeria.jpg

Kaki Vigla ({{Lang|el|Κακή Βίγλα}}) is a small community 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.

A new village, founded in 1960.

Peristeria ({{Lang|el|Περιστέρια}}; pop. 191) is a small village in the southeast of the island {{convert|45|km|0|abbr=on}} from Salamis City. It took its name from the bird of peace, the dove ({{Langx|el|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.File:View of Salamina.jpg 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, associated with the famous ancient playwright.

Psili Ammos ({{Lang|el|Ψιλή Άμμος}}), 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, the chantry of Saint Grigorios (Saint Gregory).

Steno ({{Lang|el|Στενό}}, {{Literal translation|narrow}}; pop. 239), 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.File:Aianteio Beach.jpg

Vasilika ({{Lang|el|Βασιλικά}}) which means Royal is a big village located in the northwest of the island. Vasilika is the third largest area in Salamis by population after Salamis City and Aianteio. Vasilika has a sandy large beach apt for swimming.

Xeno ({{Lang|el|Ξένο}}, {{Literal translation|foreign}}) is located in the northwest corner of the island. The area was so named because the first residents were not from Salamis but from nearby Piraeus.

File:Ancient Salamis city.jpg

{{Main|Ampelakia}}

Kynosoura ({{Lang|el|Κυνόσουρα}}, {{Literal translation|dog's tail}}; pop. 58) is a small peninsula located in the east of the island. The name probably comes from the shape of the peninsula, long and thin and pointed at the end. In the south are a few houses. In the north are the remains of an ancient tumulus thought to be the burial site of Greek warriors in the Battle of Salamis. Nearby is a dockyard, which constructs and fixes ships including oil tankers and containers.

Selinia ({{Lang|el|Σελήνια}}; pop. 2,376) is a resort located a few kilometers southeast of Salamis city. Selinia is the weekend resort of many Athenians due to its proximity to Athens. Selinia also features restaurants and taverns.

File:Folklore Museum & Salamina Municipal Library..jpg

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 the pupils (above 13 years) usually have acquired diplomas and certificates in English, in French, or in German such as ECCE, FCE, CPE, and ECPE. Many students from Salamis island also possess many computer skills. Many students also study abroad in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and France. In the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, the pupils went to Italy for studies since it was close to Greece.

In Salamis Bay, a visitor can find many bars, cafeterias, beaches, and shops. The main cafeterias and bars are based in Agios Nikolaos, which is located in the western suburbs of Salamis city. The district is named for the church. Taverns and inns, which are located throughout the island, feature local food and dishes. The shops—which sell appliances, computers, clothing, souvenirs, and vehicles—are opened from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on weekdays; from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m to 8:30 p.m. on Saturdays.

The cultural activities that take place and the cultural organizations that operate in Salamina include: a Museum of Folklore Art and History, a Public Municipal Library, a Drama Club "Euripides" and a Dance Group "Erevna". Also, regional, traditional and seasonal festivals are organized throughout the year, indicatively: the Annual Festival, "Salaminia" (to commemorate the Naval Battle of Salamis), the "Fisherman's Festival" and the Carnival.

Salamis island has four football teams: Aias (Ajax) Salaminas, Ampelakiakos F.C., A.E. Salaminas and Salaminomachoi.

In 2019 the Nautical Club "AGIOS NIKOLAOS" Yalas, became the Champion Sprint Canoeing Club of Greece, during the 23rd Greek National Development Sprint Canoeing Championship, winning 4 gold, 4 silver and 4 bronze medals.

{{col-begin}}{{col-break}}

• Salamina-Press
• 30 Imeres tis Salaminas (30 Days of Salamina)
• Anatropes (Tippings)
• Apopsi (Opinion)
• Athlitikoi Palmoi (Athletic Vibrations)
• I Enotita tis Salaminas (The Unity of Salamis)
• I Nea Salamina (The New Salamis)

{{col-break|gap=4em}}

• I Foni tis Salaminas (The Voice of Salamis)
• Neo Ithos tis Salaminas (New Morale of Salamis)
• Palmos tis Salaminas (Pulse of Salamis)
• Politis me dikaioma (Citizen With Rights)
• Salaminiaki Protoporia (Salaminian Vanguard)
• Sports Week Salamina

{{col-end}}

File:Kanakia.jpg

Source:{{cite web|url=http://www.salamina.gr/efimerides.htm|script-title=el:Εφημερίδες & Περιοδικά|language=el|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090430165753/http://www.salamina.gr/efimerides.htm|archive-date=30 April 2009}}

File:FRRR5555666.jpgFile:Circular funerary in Kolones.jpg

{{multiple image

| align = right

| direction = horizontal

| image1 = Illustrerad Verldshistoria band I Ill 078.jpg

| width1 = 180

| caption1 = Ajax the Great

| image2 = Euripides Pio-Clementino Inv302 n2.jpg

| width2 = 171

| caption2 = Euripides

}}

• Ajax the Great, the legendary king of Salamis island, son of Telamon and half-brother of Teucer
• Cychreus, the first king of Salamis Island
• Euripides, tragedian (480 BC – 406 BC)
• Moerocles, orator (4th century BC)
• Telamon, the king of Salamis Island, father of Ajax the Great and Teucer
• Teucer, the half-brother of Ajax the Great, son of Telamon, warrior of Trojan War, and founder of the city-state of Salamis, Cyprus.

• Georgios Karaiskakis (c. 1780–1827), Greek War of Independence hero, is buried on Salamis.
• Polychronis Lempesis (1848–1913), painter
• Anastas Kullurioti, publisher
• Theodoros Pangalos (general)
• Dimitrios Mpogris (1890–1964), playwright
• Giorgos Papasideris (1902–1977), country singer, composer and lyricist
• Angelos Sikelianos (1884–1951), poet and playwright, whose cottage was near the Monastery of Faneromeni.
• Memos Mpegnis (1974- ), actor
• Dimitra Fimi (1978-), academic and writer

{{See also|List of twin towns and sister cities in Greece}}

Salamis Island is twinned with Famagusta, Cyprus (1998)

File:Kaki Vigla beach in Salamina.jpg|Kaki Vigla beach

File:Kaki vigla 02.JPG|Kaki Vigla beach

File:kaki vigla 03.JPG|Kaki Vigla Gulf

File:Faneromenis monasteri Salamis.jpg|The historic monastery of Faneromeni

File:St. Nicolas Lemonia Histioric Monastery 17th c.jpg|Nicolas Lemonia monastery 17th century AD, on the road between the villages Aianteio and Kanakia

File:Kanakia beach.jpg| Kanakia beach

• Trojan War
• Greek Revolution
• Aeacus

{{Reflist|30em}}

{{more citations needed|date=July 2012}}

{{Commons category|Salamis}}

{{Wikisource1911Enc|Salamis (Greece)}}

• [http://www.salamina.gr/ Official website of Municipality of Salamina] {{in lang|en|el}}

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