Amorgos

Infobox Greek Isles
name = Amorgos
native_name = Αμοργός
skyline = GR Amorgos IMG0033 asb 1987.jpg
sky_caption = Monastry Panagía Chosowiótissa


coordinates = coord|36|50|N|25|54|E
chain = Cyclades
isles =
area = 126.346
highest_mount = Chorafakia
elevation = 823
periph = South Aegean
prefect = Cyclades
capital = Amorgos (town)
population = 1859
pop_as_of = 2001
postal = 840 08
telephone = 22850
license = EM
website =

Amorgos ( _el. Αμοργός) is the easternmost island of the Greek Cyclades island group, and that lying closest to the neighboring Dodecanese island group. Along with several neighboring islets, the largest of which is Nikouria Island, it comprises the municipality of Amorgos, which has a land area of 126.346 km², and a population of 1,859 (2001 census).

Geography

Due to the position of Amorgos across from ancient beaches of Ionian towns, such as Militos, Alikarnassos and Ephesos, it became one of the first places from which the Ionians passed through to the Cyclades Islands and onto mainland Greece. The existence of three independent cities with autonomous constitution and the same currency, which have been preserved to this day, the size and artistic works of the walls surrounding the city of Arkesini, the ancient towers to which skeletons were raised to this day all over the island, the ancient tombs, the stone tools, the inscriptions, the vases and other antiquities are all powerful proof of the size of the ancient civilisation of Amorgos.

History

Amorgos is also known as Yperia, Patagy, or Platagy, Pagali, Psichia, and Karkisia. Part of the island is named Aspis, where the ancient temple of the Goddess Aphrodite stood. From the name Minoa we suspect that from ancient times Amorgos had been colonised by the Cretans. Also, according to Suidan and from inscriptions, Samians inhabited the island under the leadership of Simmias. With the passing of time the islands name changed to Amolgon, Amourgon, Amorgian, and Amourgian. After the 5th century you can also find the name Amoulgos from Bishop Theodore who signed a Synod in Constantinople, as Theodore the Bishop of Parion, Sifnion, and Amoulgion. Skilax mentions it as Tripoli (the circumnavigation of the Cyclades Islands).

Government

The names of the three cities given by Stefanos Vizantios are Arkesini, Minoa, Aigiali or Melania where according to inscriptions, are the more correct. The three towns are on the island's west coast because only there you can find the right bays and natural ports that could provide the proper positioning for seaside towns and forts.

Aigiali was on the north East Side of the island close to the present day locations of Tholaria and Stroumvos and to this day can still be found there. Whilst Minoa is situated at the centre of the northern side close to the present day village of Katapola, and Arkesini close to the present day lowland location Castri.

From excavations and findings, especially burial tombs we believe that the presence of Amorgos during the prehistoric years existed intensely, particularly during the first period of Cycladic civilisation (3200 to 2000 BC).

The island was featured in Luc Besson's film "The Big Blue".

ettlements

The largest towns and villages on the island are:
*Aigiali (pop. 229)
*Chora (Amorgos) (398)
*Arkesini (129)
*Katapola (128)
*Ormos Egialis (125)
*Potamos (116)
*Rachidi (148)
*Tholaria (147)
*Xylokeratidion (107)

Historical population

Landmarks

The spectacular monastery of Panagia, Chozoviotissa is situated on the cliff side to the northeast of Chora.

ee also

*Communities of the Cyclades

References

External links

* [http://www.amorgos.net The official Amorgos web site] : Amorgos island guide