Salamis Island
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| Statistics | |
|---|---|
| Metropolitan Area: | Athens (Piraeus) |
| Location: | Template:Coor dms |
| Area: -Total -Water -Rank | 15 kmē Rank 3rd |
| Population: (2001) - Total - Density¹ - Rank | 24,119 </small> |
| Elevation: -lowest: -centre: | sea level 20 m(centre) around 300 to 400 m |
| Postal code: | 189 |
| Area/distance code: | 11-30-210 (030-210) -460 thru 469 |
| Municipal code: | 4013 |
| Car designation: | Y (prev.)Z pres.
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The Greek island of Salamis (Greek, Modern: Σαλάμινα Salamina, Ancient/Katharevousa: ) 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 the great and Euripides, the latter's birth being popularly placed on the day the island's famous battle was won.
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 Kilkis (formerly the USS Idaho (BB-24)) and the Lemnos (formerly USS Mississippi (BB-23)).
Salamis or Salamina is also a municipality on the island.
Communities and villages (island)
- Agios Georgios
- Ampelakia
- Batsi
- Eantio
- Kaki
- Kynosoura
- Nafstathmos
- Paloukia
- Peristeri
- Salamina
- Steno
- Vigla
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 are only one municipal boundaries in the island and is Ampelakia Salaminas, it is bounded with the Saronic Gulf in the south and west.