History of Salamina-Argosaronicos islands-Greece

NAME: the name of the island is said to have originated from the Phoenician Salam. With this name, it is referred to by Homer. The younger researchers though refer to names as Pitioussa, Kihria, Skiras, Kulouris, etc.

MYTHOLOGY : The creators of Greek myth provided the islands of the Argosaronikos gulf with beautiful myths, relative with the naming and the local heroes. The Saronik gulf received its name from the mythical king of Trizina, Saron who was a famous hunter that drowned in the waters of the gulf while in pursuit of a deer. Salamina received its name from the nymph Salamina daughter of the Corinthian river Asopos. Poseidon felt in love with the daughter and they had a son, Kihria the first mythical king of Salamina who was half human half fish. Telamonas married his daughter Glafki and became the king of the island.

History: Salamina was inhabited dating back to the Neolithic period as is revealed from the findings throughout the southern coastline. Due to its preferential geographical location it often became the reason for disputes among the largest cities who whished to have the island under their possession. During the archaic period Salamina developed into powerful economic, commercial center of Greece under the control of the Athenians.

When in the beginning of the 5th century B.C. the Persian fleet sailed in the Aegean, Salamina did not resist them but instead collaborated with the Persians on their own will, so as to not interrupt the commercial dealings with the harbors Asia Minor. Ten years after their defeat at Marathon, the Persians attempt to attack Greece for the second time. As it is mentioned by Herodotus this was the first time in history that an military power appeared that was so strong and organized.

The oracle of Delphi . prophesized that Greece would be saved from the wooden barriers. Thus united the Greeks with their leaders Themistocles from Athens and the Spartan vice-admiral Ebribiadis assembled their strength in Salamina. Other participants were the troops from Salamina, Aigina, Megara, Thiva and Corinthians. The leaders disagreed whether the Naval battle should take place at Salamina or in Isthmus of Corinth's. The naval battle of Salamina, was an even of great importance, not only because it liberated Greece from Persian danger, but also because it saved all Europe from the Asiatic barbarism.

Village of Salamina

Salamina

Information that has derived from various inscriptions that were discovered on the island, the day that the historic naval battle of Salamina was taking place the great tragic poet Euripides was born. As for the other two poets of tragedy of Greece, Aeschylus was at battle and Sofoklis who was a teenager at the time was directing the teenage choir that were singing the paiana after the battle. During the Peloponnesian war the Salaminian allies naturally with the Athenians and were attacked by the Spartan general Vrasidas.

During 4th century B.C. Salamina experienced a new age of prosperity that was accompanied by the cuting of a brass currency . In 318 B.C. they defected from Athenians to and allied with the Macedonians.

At 307 B.C the Athenians again gained the authority on the island. They imprisoned the defectors, convicted to death the head general Aishitadis, sent the inhabitant away and positioned clergyman at the island. The prisoners were freed by the Macedonian King Kassandros but when he died Salamina came under the leadership of Achain syndicate

It was then pillage by the Macedonians and experinced multiple pirate raids. During Roman Empire, the island was dependant of the Athenians but they were typically ruled by the Roman Conquerors. During the difficult centuries of the Turkish occupation Salamina enjoyed privileges in view of the fact that its shipyards were distinguished for the of the Sultan's ships.

In the more recent years the inhabitatants of Salamina worked in the industrial zone of Perama in Piraeus and also in the naval station. They are also involved with the shipping and fishing. They have also become known for their significant intellectual celebrities going back to the ancients until today.