Salamis (Greece)

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The Greek island of Salamis (Greek, Modern: Σαλαμίνα Salamina, Ancient/Katharevousa: Σαλαμίς ) - also known as Koulouri - is the largest island in the Saronic Gulf, about 1 nautical mile (2 km) off-coast from Piraeus. Paloukia 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 has also been known by the names: Skiras, Pityousa, Kychreia and Koulouri at various points in time.

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 is the most densely populated island in Greece. Up until 2010, it was divided into two municipalities: Salamina and Ambelaki. Under the Callicrates plan, they were merged into the Salamina municipality.

Communities and villages (island)

Historical population

Year Municipal population Change Island population
1981 20,807 - -
1991 22,567 1,760 34,272
2001 30,022 7,455 37,091
2011 39,220 9,198 39,220

See also