Salamis (/ˈsæləmɨs/; Greek: Σαλαμίνα Salamína, Ancient and Katharevousa:

Σαλαμίς Salamís), is the largest Greek island in the Saronic Gulf, about 1 nautical

mile (2 km) off-coast from Piraeus and about 16 kilometres (10 miles) west of Athens.

The chief city, Salamina, lies in the west-facing core of the crescent on Salamis Bay,

which opens into the Saronic Gulf. On the Eastern side of the island is its main

port,Paloukia, in size second in Greece only to Piraeus, the port of Athens.

Contents

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1History 2Geography 3Municipality 4Population 5Villages in the municipal unit of Salamina

o 5.1Paloukiao 5.2Aianteioo 5.3Batsio 5.4Kaki Viglao 5.5Agios Georgioso 5.6Peristeriao 5.7Psili Ammoso 5.8Stenoo 5.9Vasilikao 5.10Xeno

6Villages in the municipal unit of Ampelakiao 6.1Kynosourao 6.2Selinia

7Cultureo 7.1Educationo 7.2Recreational areaso 7.3Sportso 7.4Local newspapers and magazines

8Landmarks 9Noted people

o 9.1Mythological and ancient peopleo 9.2Modern people

10Twin towns / sister cities 11Gallery 12See also 13References 14External links

History[edit]

Coin of Salamis, 339–318 BC. Obverse: Female head. Reverse: Boeotian shield (shield of Ajax)

and sword in sheath

Salamis is mentioned in Homer'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 would be (the place) amid salt water.[2]

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.[3] 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.[4]

According to Homer's Iliad, Salamis took part in the Trojan War with twelve ships under

the leadership of Ajax (Aias).[5]

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 Salamis Island in 1899.[6] 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 (2 in), 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.[7][8]

In the 1960s and 1970s, during the military junta period, changes in land legislation

allowed the subdivision of land plots.[9] 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