Salamis (Greece)
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 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
- Batsi
- Eantio
- Kaki Vigla
- Kynosoura
- Nafstathmos
- Paloukia
- Perani
- Peristeri
- Salamina
- Selinia
- Steno
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 two municipalities on the island: Salamina and Ambelakia, which is bounded by the Saronic Gulf in the south and west.
